[Sylvanfan]

Im surprised no one has mentioned Nashville as a reason to hold onto the Vegas pick next year. They went from a 99 point team to being a well earned bottom 5 finisher despite making the biggest splash in free agency. Now Marner is a much more effective player than Stamkos was. But the loss of Pietrangelo on the backend will have an impact on their team. If a guy like Eichel ended up missing 30 games like Josi did this year that would hurt them.

Likewise the Preds can serve as a cautionary tale for the Flames to not overreact to a better than expected season. I doubt they were rated as a bottom 5 team in the preseason last year. So far the Flames seem like they're being pragmatic not reaching too far to try and improve now while moving out expiring assets that do have more value. Really Vladar is about the only one they missed getting say a third round pick from.

I think Byrum to Hanifin is a reasonable comparison. Hanifin had not looked like a star player in Carolina, but showed a floor. Even as a Flame he was a bit underwhelming until Sutter got this hands on him. So I can see why you proceed with caution here.

I can be sucked into thinking Byrum could be better than what he has shown to date. But he might just be a solid top 4 guy that you pay the Lexus price to buy...but he's more of the Toyota Corolla. Solid player who can play and be useful. But does not deliver the thrills you thought you paid for. But with the cap looking to expand in the next few years, the 7.375 that Hanifin got could be more like 9 now knowing that the cap will be 113 plus in two years.