Honestly if you want to sum up a big reason for their immediate success look no further than 3 teams:
Florida: Trades them Smith to take Marchessault (2 x top 6 forwards)
Columbus: Trades them 2017 1st rd pick, 2019 2nd rd pick to take Karlsson (top 6 center)
Minnesota: Trades them Tuch to take Haula
- Columbus’ 1st was traded in another deal with Winnipeg to move up to 13 (Suzuki) who was used to trade for Pacioretty (top 6 forward). The Clb 2nd was also used in this deal.
- Haula had 29G, 55P in year one and was traded for Nick Roy who along with Tuch form a big young pair to form their 3rd line.
Florida gave them two top six forwards, Columbus gave them one top six forward and the assets to acquire a second one. Minnesota gave them a big young RWer with great upside and the assets to acquire a big young 3rd line center.
These three teams helped them acquire 6 of their top 9 forwards to sprinkle in with Stone and Stastny.
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