I've never really seen the case for urgently acquiring Gaudreau from the Flyers side. He is certainly an upgrade, but I'm not sure the fit is really there from either a roster, cap, or expansion perspective.
Forgetting acquisition cost for a moment, I'll pose a theoretical question I find somewhat interesting: would you rather have:
1. Voracek for 4 more seasons at 8.25
or
2. Hall for 7 more at the same number (though I'm not convinced it will be that low)
Voracek is actually 4 months younger than Backlund, and their deals end at the same time (both turning 35 as the deal ends). It is reasonable to have concerns about the backside for sure...Hall would also be 35-36 as his deal ends.
Hall's upside is certainly higher, but the consistency and durability isn't really there. Voracek fills a more pressing need on the right side, and he seems to be rounding out his game a bit more to be a savvier 2-way player, though it's still probably a bit of a wash with Hall.
If this team isn't a contender in 3-4 years, you can probably recover more value sooner from Voracek at a TDL.
To be clear...I don't actually want Voracek...but, I don't want Hall either. In a theoretical 'free' scenario, I would choose Voracek.
I think Voracek will be a net positive value asset for the duration of his contract...I think he's a likely target for Seattle...seems probably that he and/or JVR will be left exposed (not certain on status of Philly's younger guys)
If guys like Cozens, Cirelli, etc. are unattainable, I would absolutely consider something based around Gaudreau for Frost+Voracek+...I think we could extract even more value by adding Derek Ryan 50% retained.
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