[FanIn80]

Man, you guys.

You're right. You're absolutely right. Why would you want to lock up your young superstars? That's just silly, when you can let them walk for nothing. Another option instead of locking them up, is to wait for them to want to leave and then trade them for players that are good elsewhere, and then lock those players up before you know if they're also good here. All wayyyy better options than just simply committing to the young superstars you're fortunate enough to draft.

Also, it's been mentioned countless times already that Johnny is cheaper and his contract is over two full seasons before Huberdeau's is. He's also more entertaining to watch and has prior-established chemistry with some of our players. Flipping Huberdeau for Gaudreau is like flipping a 10.5M-with-7-years-left pylon for a 9.75M-with-5-years-left guy who at least plays hockey.

(not to mention Johnny's obviously unhappy playing for CBJ, and that has a pretty bing impact on performance)