I don't like idea of being full scale sellers at the deadline if the team is firmly in a playoff position. I just think it sends a bad message to the remaining players and potential future free agents if you you tell them it doesn't matter if they bust their ass to be competitive all season just to pull the rug out from under them near the finish line, because business is business. Sure, you risk losing players for nothing, but the future opportunity cost could be worse if you get the reputation among players that your team isn't serious about winning. It's pretty much something you would expect from a franchise like the Coyotes.
I am fine going into the season with players unsigned though because I am not optimistic about playoff chances anyway, and I think there will be more value at the trade deadline, but it is a risk.
Having said that, some selling at the deadline could work if you can make get players under contract that can make an impact at that time and not just futures. It would be less demoralizing for the players on longer term deals.
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