1c's cost money. Rangers spent their money on Zibanejad for the 1c role. Rangers now need a future 2c.
1. we made our bed w/Zib; it was either that or deal him start of season at 5+ expiring for a boatload of futures, and for good or bad [prob good short term, bad long term], this is the path we took and are compelled to be on like glue.
2. We do not have $$$$ for a current 1C now and even in latest scenario of 2 seasons hence when we can move Trouba, we will need that $ for LaF/Kakko +.
3. So we basically ride what we have until Panarin is off the books, at which pt he prob stays for less.
4. We do have the option to trade youth, BUT ONLY FOR YOUTH.
For example, Matty Beniers was 2OA and he would cost really big IF Kraken was to even consider the idea.
But that is the only fit atm.
Assuming Krav +++ can be enuf to make SEA say yes w/o gutting too much of our youth, that is the kind of target we pursue. Soon to be signed to an elc, helps w/cap, some risk but potential high end return.
something like dat.