[ComixZone]

To me trading Johnny for Konecny doesn’t move the needle for the team.

Might get the same production, but does nothing to improve the team. That’s just a maintenance trade. Keeps the team what it is for a longer period of time.

Is the team better tomorrow with Konecny rather than Gaudreau? I’d say no.

Is the team better in 2023 with Konecny, Gaudreau, or a return based on high quality futures (like New Jersey’s 7th overall)? I think the answer is the 7th overall in this year’s draft.

I’m pretty firmly in the keep Johnny, or get a high draft pick(s) and tackle restructuring the foundation through the draft.

With Ward seemingly coming back, I just want the core to get added to now. Change the make up of the defence through the expiration of contracts. Give a lot of responsibility to Valimaki and watch him thrive. Hammer Bennett in as a centre, move Ryan for cap reasons. Get Hall, get a better goalie tandem.

With Jankowski and Hamonic both seemingly moving on, there’s really no players on the roster that I “dislike” on the ice for this team.