Quote:
Originally Posted by Huntingwhale
I don't think the GM is in that hard of a spot. Both players have essentially come out and said they won't return and want to reach UFA. Any educated Jacket fan has to know that trading them for a haul is the best move. A good GM makes the hard choices and gets returns on those players.
The Jackets are certainly in playoff contention. But IMO they aren't a cup favorite barring some miracle run. The GM can't bet on miracles. He has to look at not only his team, but the teams they are competing against and has to decide if they can make a cup run. With teams like TB, Toronto and Washington going up against them, in his heart he has to know this isn't the season. Selling off both players for big hauls likely moves them into contention as early as next season and beyond.
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While I largely agree, its not that simple for Kekunspellablelainen.
Bob and Panarin havent explicitly stated that they wont stay with Columbus, just that they wont negotiate during the season and want to test the UFA market.
They could still stay and be cornerstones of the team but just use UFA as a bargaining chip to increase their contracts, but if you trade them then they almost certainly wont be back.
Plus, they're rentals which would diminish their 'haul.'
I'd love to nab Panarin though.