Plus it sounded very possible that post injury Eichel could become post concussion Lindros. Are people forgetting what a question mark that was? I was on the fence. I get why they didn’t do it. He was also making 10 million if I remember correctly with a reputation of being a malcontent.
Nice of everyone now to say they would have just traded all our guys who busted, then traded Zibby for a haul. “Oh, it would’ve been Kakko, Kravtsov, and Jones! A no brainer!”
If I remember correctly the board was 60% or 70% against. Of course that also comes with the usual few who really push it, but keep saying they’d only offer really light unrealistic packages.
The thing was, we were still loaded at wing.
Panarin/Kreider signed Laf in the system.
At the time it was a hefty package no doubt, but that’s what it would have taken to get a proven 24 yr old 90-100 pt game breaking center….
The injury def was the biggest factor.
Zibby playing well at the time also contributed to it……
The simple fact is, Drury/NYR are going to get another chance when Panarin/troubas cap hits are gone.
There will no doubt be a big time FA, or a disgruntled superstar in the age range were we looking for asking for a trade. It happens almost every 2-3 years…..
They can’t be gun shy to add that type of piece when the opportunity comes, especially if it’s a trade scenario again..
Even now, rumors that pinto/Zergas both aren’t happy and want out of their current situations.
Both are way less proven then Eichel, but the price to get them also won’t be as steep….
Zergas has proven he can put up points with high end skill as a 21-22 year old, be needs work on becoming a complete player….
Pinto has impressed all around, it remains to be seen what he can do in a larger role.
If they deem they don’t want either, fine. But if they do, they can’t miss another opportunity……
Say OTT misses the postseason again this year. It becomes common knowledge Tkachuk is unhappy….. it’s got to be full steam ahead.
oilers will likely move heaven and earth to keep mcdavid.
Will they be able to keep drai too?
Kaprizov will likely leave Minn for a bigger stage. He’s approaching UFA quickly, that’s an older team with too many question marks..
Whoever they identify, whoever that next potential gamebreaking target is, they can’t p***yfoot around anymore. They need to get a deal done.