Canucker
Go Hawks!
Okay. Let's play a little game. We trade Pettersson to Buffalo for Cozens, Kulich and a pick. Which isn't even a horrendous trade.
This now leaves us with 25M in the off season and no legitimate first line center. Now who do you purpose we sign with all that money? Rantanen and Marner aren't coming here. They'd want to be on contenders. Regardless, they would eat half that cap amount themselves chasing 13-14M deal contracts.
Our center options are as followed, since we'd absolutely need to sign one: Duchene, Granlund, Tavaras, Giroux, Marchand.
Noticing a trend here? They're all well into their 30s or mostly play wing nowadays. And we still haven't replaced Boeser. It's not like Ehlers will come any cheaper. Assuming he even leaves Winnipeg.
So do explain how this scenario convinces Hughes to stay when we'd have a forward corps not much better than the Habs.
Cap space is great... when there's actually players to spend it on that want to be here. Most of the good ones aren't going to be all that interesting playing for a team that just traded their two top six centers for pennies on the dollar.
For shits and grins, I'll play...
1) We keep EP and may still not have a "legitimate first line center"...at least based on his current level of play and over the past calendar year.
2) I believe Marner and Rantanen will go where the money is AND an opportunity to win...having QH and a great city always helps, along with a large amount of money to offer. There are some other UFAs of note that could be signed and also improve the team.
3) You've glossed over the fact that if we traded EP in your hypothetical scenario we would be getting 2 NHL centers back...it can be argued that they aren't #1 centers, and that's currently a fact, but they are good young players and could very well become legitimate top 1-2 centers, and a pick of some sort. And we have Chytil who has filled in pretty well as a 2nd line center so far. So I don't believe there would be any real issue at center...unless of course (heaven forbid) Chytil sustains another concussion, or Cozens/Kulich don't take a step forward.
4) Hughes is probably smart enough to know that IF management traded EP, there was probably a good reason for it...ultimately nobody has any idea what QH's motivation will be when the time comes for him to make a decision...I'm sure winning will play a factor, but it may not, he may have his heart set on playing with his brothers and know he can win with them...or he may not care and have developed relationships in Van and be happy with his life there. Who knows? The plan should be winning, regardless of QH.
I will qualify all this with, my preference is that EP were to rediscover his game and he didn't need to be traded at all, because he is an exceptional player when he's on his game...but like everyone (including those who think they know) else around here, I don't know what ails EP, if its permanent or temporary, if its injury related or a mental/happiness/confidence issue...what I do know is that there is a distinct possibility that WE may never see him regain his form in Vancouver and with his impending NMC there is risk associated with keeping him, just as there is with moving on from him. All I want is due diligence taken by Management and coaches when they ultimately make their decision to keep him or move him, because they would likely know better than any of us.