The idea is that we are “retooling” and whether that is the correct decision or not remains to be seen. However, management traded for Hronek, there’s no point in half adding the retooling. If you don’t get one of the surefire top 5 guys, trade the pick for a future top pairing defenseman.
If the 6/7th overall isn’t enough, I’d throw in another unprotected first rounder for Byram + Newhook.
Trade Boeser, Garland, Myers ++ for whatever you can get, perhaps retain on Boeser a bit, buyout OEL, and go after a top 4 24-27 y/o defenseman and a 3C.
Nothing irks me more than trading a 1st for Hronek and not doubling down on the same philosophy.
Contrary to what Avs fans might feel, a 6th/7th overall, a 2024 unprotected 1st, a solid young player in Hoglander would be foolish to not accept for Byram and Newhook considering Byram’s concussion history which we take a gamble on, and a 2C/3C versatile 21 year old with upside in Newhook.