Saw a lot of discussion around DeAngelo in this thread.
If we really need to make a decision as to which RFA to pay and which to trade, its DeAngelo over Strome every day of the week and twice on sunday. It is so much harder to find a RHD that can put up 60 points and drive possession than it is to find almost every other position with the exception of Center. And I dont really consider Strome a Center, more of just someone who can pass off as a Center but isn’t great at the position - certainly not with the defensive demands of it. And on top of that DeAngelo is 24 entering his prime when he is really starting to figure out how to light it up at the NHL level.
The problem is that DeAngelo will absolutely bring back more in a trade. However, I’d rather settle for a “lesser” return trading Strome if we are not getting a blue chip piece for Tony. I am talking names like the Tkachuk brothers, Barkov (yes i know he is nearing FA anyway), DeBrusk, etc. So if youre not getting a significant return then I am happy to take the return for Strome. Buchnevich almost landed us the 8th overall pick at last years draft according to
@Edge ... maybe Strome can get you in the 8-12 range this year so you can draft a Center and then sign a stopgap short term while keeping DeAngelo.