Sure they will compete. They traded away 16 draft picks all of which were picks in rounds 2 through 6. Smart teams who virtually have no chance of winning a championship like the IceDogs don't trade away 16 picks.
It's sad because in 2023-24, the IceDogs may have been able to make a run for the championship. Now they won't have any draft picks left to trade away for a championship run. I don't think that's good management. It's irresponsible management.
Give your head a shake!
First of all they will receive a boatload of picks when they deal Dickinson.
When the Petes traded Cuylle to Windsor they received:
- three 2nd round picks
- three 3rd round picks
- one 5th round pick
+
5th overall pick and 42nd overall pick (end of 2nd round) in the next draft
That means that, if Dickinson is traded for a similar haul, the IceDogs will have lots of picks to deal.
Many teams in a "go for it" season will trade their rookie 1st round pick.
In this situation the Ice Dogs will have
the 5th overall pick as well as their regular
1st round pick at their disposal to trade if they feel it's necessary.
The new owner/GM has definitely put his stamp on this team and I like what I see so far. Did he pay more in draft picks to acquire the players he traded for? Maybe, but he made his moves early and picked up solid players that he thinks very highly of. IMO, it will be a better balance of youth and veterans this season which should be great for the team this year and next.