Quote:
Originally Posted by ComixZone
What would be the alternative path to take to find a top tier #1 centre?
There are risks and reasons to not do almost anything. Jack Eichel is in a tier of centre that we haven't had since 1995, and the last player of this quality/age to be traded was Joe Thornton in 2005. Acquiring Thornton worked out great for San Jose, and outside of the team deciding to tank (can't imagine that happening) - the Flames won't get the opportunity to draft a player of this quality.
If not Eichel, then what? What does this team do to actually improve itself in a meaningful way that will not only keep them in the top-16, but hopefully move them into and keep them in the top-10 for years to come.
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This is true but in this case the risks and reasons are magnified beyond any normal sort of decisions.
1. The cost to acquire will be prohibitive. Franchise altering in that it will be 2-3 existing roster players AND draft picks.
2. The salary attached. As soon as you get into 10M a year it also has a ripple effect on the rest of the roster. If the player is a game changer then it makes it doable and even well worth it. That is not a sure thing here.
3. His health. This isnt an ACL that has a 99% chance of getting back to normal. This is a herniated disc in his neck. Nevermind hockey, this type of injury can be life changing. Buffalo hasn't agreed to the surgery yet, but that is Eichels desire. Has there ever been a hockey player come back from this kind of procedure? Again the salary comes into play here because even if he never plays again, the acquiring team is on the hook for 50M dollars. That is a huge consideration for anyone.
So ALL that has to be considered before making this trade, it isnt black and white.
IF he gets back to almost perfect health then yes it is probably a good move in the end.
As for where else do you get a guy like him? You wait until the next opportunity arises to get one whether that be drafting high or by trade for a less questions attatched player.