right - but maybe that just allows a team to buy low on pesce?
somewhat of an oversimplification, but imo there's two potential pathways with tanev - one, he keeps up a high level of play for another year or two, or... he goes full ian cole at some point next season. not that big of a risk on a short term deal, but depends on what window the team wants to maximize; i'm personally very interested in the next three years with hughes on this deal and not too worried about what happens after that (right now). i also think some of the numbers thrown out for tanev are wildly low. his league wide reputation has finally caught up to what it should have been in like, 2016.
pesce lost a step... but if he re-gains it, he's a bonafide top pairing defenseman for the next half decade. if he doesn't, he's still a good second pairing defender. if he loses another step or two... yea that's bad. but maybe playing with hughes gives him a whole new level. then we're laughing.