Quote:
Originally Posted by dissentowner
Except they won't because they are not going to trade him.
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Then we're looking at 2 more years of mediocrity.
You know what we could have without Johnny? 2 years of mediocrity (or a bit worse, which would be fine)
The Gio-Gaudreau window has closed. IMO the Avs closed it pretty emphatically, but the Stars have nailed it shut. The Flames had a really impressive run in 2018-19, but it was a bit of a mirage. Just like the Avs in '13-14, the Oilers in '16-17, or even the Devils in '17-18.
All is not lost, we just need to pivot to the Tkachuk-Andersson-Valimaki+Lindholm window (+Hanifin+Bennett+Dubé+Mangiapane). If that fails, then rebuild.
We probably need to try to take a shortcut though. I would trade anyone/everyone on the roster (and if necessary 1 of the guy in the brackets above) for a guy with term like Point, Barzal, Eichel, Dubois, or even Hischier. Barkov or Couturier would also be great, but of course their deals expire in 2 years.
Frost/Cozens is another route, but I don't really see either team giving them up.