I don't disagree that a 7 year deal is a big risk. The game Kreider plays means he gets banged up and he's always been a bit streaky. That said, he's a 1st/2nd line winger whose speed still impacts the game even when he's not scoring. These very speedy wingers are just incredibly effective for puck possession and breaking down d systems.
As we remake and rebuild, at some point we need to pay attention to adding speed. Kakko, Zibby, Kravtsov, Chytil, Howden, Andersson, Strome, Namestnikov and even Panarin (if he signs w/ us) they're all average to above average skaters, but not speedsters.
I would argue that Kreider's value to us is higher than it is for many other teams. So, I think this Kreider decision is a real balancing act. I also think we can trade that contract in 2 years. If we trade him for a 14th or 15th overall it just may not be enough value for us. Keep in mind, we can trade him at the deadline and likely get a first in the mid-20s in a possibly deeper draft. Either way, we'd likely be getting a player that's 2 years away and may never reach Kreider's level. I think, ultimately what it will come down to is -- do we prefer keeping Kreider to shelter the development of the current crop of kids or do we trade him for futures that is likely 4 years from truly impacting the NHL roster? I think it becomes more clear if can trade Kreider for a 2nd top 10 pick this year, 2 1st rounders, or a mid-1st and a team's top 3 prospect. Teams like Buffalo, Nashville, Calgary, Winnipeg could all be in on a bidding war for Kreider in that scenario.
