Quote:
Originally Posted by Major Major
Sorry, when you said "if it's a foregone conclusion he signs with Philadelphia, then..." I thought it implied that you thought it was a foregone conclusion. If not, I apologize, but no one brought it up before you, so there's no other way to interpret that.
If Johnny goes to buffalo, and neither he nor the team think that he's the difference maker... An elite offensive weapon in this league, then ya, it may only last 2 years. Somehow I don't think that's the case.
The reason I can confidently state that they would be the odds on favourites to sign him are:
1. They get to negotiate early and offer the longest deal.
2. He would play with eichel for 2 years and likely explode point wise.
3. He would be on an Eastern seaboard team that doesn't travel as much and is closer to home.
None of those make it a slam dunk... That's not what odds on favourites means.
It's obvious that you don't think as highly of gaudreau. That's fine. In my mind, he would be a primary piece on any championship team. I think he's a legitimate top 10 offensive player in the league, not at his position. So, when you say he "could be underpaid" like it is even a question and suggest mediocre returns (although I am just as high on Cozens as you and others), it is flummoxing to me. In my mind, he's a player teams will trip over themselves to acquire and pay through the nose for the pleasure. In reality, his contract, which you are convinced is something that hinders his return, may increase the number of bidders and drive his value. Maybe... We shall see.
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Your points 2&3 hit the nail on the head in my mind. I just think the Sabres organization needs to get its act together if they want JG to stick around. Otherwise, why wouldn’t he look around? Certainly one of, at least, Philadelphia, New Jersey, or one of the NY teams will come knocking.
Maybe I am undervaluing him, but I’ve been thoroughly disappointed in what we’ve seen since about March 2019. From his offensive drop off, inability to contribute in other areas of the game, and seemingly disinterest specifically at the beginning of the year have me wondering. And if I see that as a fan, what would you expect the view towards Johnny Ham&Cheese is from scouts and hockey executives? His smoke bomb (non) appearances in the playoffs are likely noticed throughout the league.
I don’t see him as a primary piece. He doesn’t touch enough areas of the game.