Because he fully believed we were getting Meier.
Seriously, that's why. I think our front office was fully prepared to match and beat any offer that went out there, and were never given the chance.
I'm critical of that approach but it does seem to fit mgmt's narrative perfectly. To me, this was the year to get one of the big three : Meier, Horvat, or Chychrun. all players in their 20s with varying term on contracts. seems rare that these type of players would be available at trade deadline but they were. Carolina had plenty of assets to trade. I don't believe mgmt. didn't realize their first rounder would be less attractive to counter party than another team's. they did and chose not to outbid. This happens again and again when expensive talent hits the trade market (Eichel, Tkachuk). Always the bridesmaid for Carolina.
I also question the logic behind waiting for the summer when we will have draft capital and salary cap space to go after players. You had both right now and Meier, Horvat and Chychrun didn't qualify as high end players? I don't buy that logic. I blame Waddell more than Dundon. Dundon is very involved but Waddell needs to "manage up" and convince the boss here's why it makes sense to outbid the market for player X. You don't have to abandon the "we won the trade" mentality. Just compliment it when the opportunity to acquire a high end talent presents itself. That's what playoff winning teams do.
I realize nothing is certain, but the economics of a deep playoff run and perhaps winning the Cup are enormous. This should carry significant value to the Canes but apparently it does not. Plus, draft capital is IMO overrated. How many late first, 2nd and 3rd round picks amount to quality NHLers? not high enough to horde these picks like the Canes do. Look at past three drafts: already multiple guys are no longer consider high end prospects. that's the risk of boom/bust drafting mentality. Plus there are limited roster spots for prospects. there would have been 1 less had the team acquired one of the big three.
very poor job of asset management this year. Losing Chychrun was the worst. Adding a pick to our offer would have likely gotten the deal done. why would the Borg act like it was too much compensation for a cost controlled 24 year old #1/#2 defenseman?
