with one year left i wonder if a cup competitor would take a big swing. nyr has some space and could go all in next season.
the all in false narrative has to die, not just for nyr
most of the time it is pure stupidity
it does not work 99% of the time and cannibalizes futures which means if you don't win the cup you are worse off trying to match a competitive season and improve
the smart play is to continue to build, try to make intelligent moves
and extend your window = legit chance to make a run until your core ages out forcing rebuild
that is why if you have an old core with maybe only a season or 2 left, THEN MAYBE you go all in
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besides this ^, Chych is not a fit as a rental, and we do not have spare cap for him
he is good but flawed
The deal here is foundation piece + for foundation piece +
LaF + Gabe P + Lindgren
for
Sanderson + Pinto + Bost 2024 1st + OTT 2025 + 2026 2nds
LaF = superior Steve Vickers W w/elite potential, excellent 5x5,
helps immediately w/scoring
AND is a marketing coup w/the quebec side of the fan base
x 2 b'c Habs did not cough up for a foundation piece
will need long term contract around the corner but likely less than Sanderson short term
Gabe P = mid 1st round steal elc will help as soon as he is ready, possibly 20245
Lindgren has 2 2nds value but is a short term clear the crease stopgap
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Rs will gamble Scanlin is ready; Fortescue looks promising but is a yr away
Othman replaces LaF
Sanderson = partner for Fox
Pinto = 3C for Cuylle - Kakko if Chytil not up to it, useful if he does
and picks help