Murat says “three teams with interest in McGroarty” which were CBJ, SJ and Ott. So that sounds like he has actual info. Classifying Columbus as the front-runner might be his opinion based on fit and what they’d potentially offer.
Interesting. Here are some pieces I'm interested and think are realistic from each team.
CBJ:
Laine - As part of a bigger deal potentially. Laine's value is so low we should be able to get him for cheaper than an A Prospect. But if there are some other parts involved and he's an add I'm okay with that.
Sillinger - Middle 6 C that can potentially fill our 2C needs.
Jiricek - Big body RHD that we so desperately need.
2024 4th overall - We can add a pretty nice piece with this, should be lots of options at 4. Likely won't step in for awhile though.
Mateychuk - Great puck rushing LHD that could cement our left side for years to come. Solid kid too.
SJS:
2024 14th overall - I'd want more on top of this.
Mukhamadullin - Real big and rangy LHD. Cements the top 4 on the left side potentially.
Grandlund - With an extension in place he could step in at 2C for us and solidify that spot a bit but he is 32 turning 33 soon.
OTT:
2024 7th overall - Not as good as 4 but certainly still solid.
Chychrun - Solid vet LHD that can play the right side well enough. Allows us to run 2 solid pairs or stack one. Would want an extension in place though. We likely need to add.
Pinto - Good size C that can step in as 2C. We likely need to add here as well.
Greig - Solid playoff type winger for the middle 6.
Again there’s some who believe he’s a sure thing for regular duty.
I don’t know enough about him but I was one of those who was happy with his selection.
My guess is he doesn’t see the same opportunity to play in this lineup based on contracts in place and the teams track record with prospects ( that is probably agent and or family)
I understand some of HF being put off by what appears to be entitlement but I also see his side as well.
2-3 years in the AHL is probably what the club would do.
This club has shown in the past that they prefer the waiver wire or old vets over inserting the younger players,
Is that the coaches or GM or both!
All I’m saying is I don’t think he’s wrong in thinking that he’ll languish in the minors for a long period of time.
I don’t know that obviously but it’s not out of the realm of possibility.
Ultimately it's up to him to force the orgs hand. Connor, Ehlers, Scheif, Trouba, Morrissey, Laine and many more ultimately all payed their dues. Some might have been held out a little bit more than they should have but that's never really hurt a prospect as much as rushing them does.