1. You make deals to improve, usually means profit, whether that be by addition or subtraction.
2. Every situation is different. That's obvious enuf I shouldn't have to elaborate.
3. In a hard cap reality it is nec to go w/youth [which also adds benefit of greater energy, capacity to play w/more intensity] over vets who have experience, but due to seniority are more expensive. Going this way means more pieces at less cost = more flexibility as to roster.
4. Accordingly, it is pref if we are dealing, say, a bread that we get a Bischel + in return.
Rinse and repeat as a strategy.
5. I disagree that getting guys like Bischel, Kleven, Byfield, etc etc = "at this point with a team full of second and third liners". Those are guys w/legit upside, which you overlooked.
As to "other teams have locked away their really significant prospects because that's what even semi-sensible GM's do" you will find some of this is yes and no depending on the prospect, what we are offering, and their need for a high end performer. I may not get Matty Berniers out of SEA but we might get Byfield. And we only need a handful, not a dozen.
6. You state concern this leads to falling below the cap floor. I am not unduly concerned, but for sake of argument, say that happens. We can weaponize the extra cap space and take on expiring deadwood -- for a fee, of course.
7. As I have said, I will demonstrate an open mind on Kreider WHEN it is appropriate to consider dealing him, which is ONLY AFTER he has some reasonable level or return to being healthy. Peeps gotta let it sink in, no one will bid, let alone pay big, for an asset unable to perform sufficiently, if not at peak level.
At that time, we should assess ACTUAL ck condition, plus who is left after we sell high on the more expensive vets
