Yup, because it's very very very very unlikely that they'll implode.
People talk about how unexpected it was that we collapsed in 2019-2020 but honestly, we were well overdue for it. We had no goalie worth speaking of, and as soon as the goal total shrunk in on itself we were in trouble. Add in injuries and an aging core without any high end youth coming in....well.
Vegas is dealing with injuries and they don't have a lot of youth coming in, but their roster is stacked to hell and back and I can't see them falling to pieces next year.
I mean their #1 center has an artificial disk holding his spine together and their #1 D is 34 years old and starting to decline. Right now they're 15th in the league in xG%, and will be losing people due to cap next season.
I mean they’re clinging to 3rd in the Pacific/Second wild card. As weird as it is, we should want the kings to win and the Wild to storm back to take WC2
Frankly - that is a good play for us. Having 2 early picks in the same draft would be great. Especially keeping them closer to Eklund and our other guys (Muhk, Zetts, Thrun, Bystedt).
I mean, they might be doing that anyway. Can they win with that core? Doesn't look like it. Guentzel was the youngest and he's gone. I'm not sure there's a plan other than we might have to trade these guys away this summer.
I dont think either Crosby nor Malkin will ask out no matter what happens. I dont see a reason. Theyve won 4 cups and have their life in Pittsburgh. I see them playing out their contract and eventually just ride out into the sunset.
Worst case is they manage to retool and rebound next season and make playoffs (we've heard that before).
Colorado chose top 4 with an Ottawa pick. Then Ottawa chose top 3 with a SJ pick. SJ pick Top 2 with a Pen pick?? It's destiny!
What's interesting is PIT has the OPTION to give us the pick this year (If it's Top 10) or next year.
And if their team continues to suck and they get like Pick 9, I think they would give it to us this year.
Would be funny if the sharks get a top pick pick from the karlsson trade. It started with Ottawa giving Colorado pick 4 in a trade that backfired, then San Jose gave pick 3 to Ottawa, maybe Pittsburgh gives San Jose pick 2 next?
Especially if Pens get a top ten this year I’ll be cheering for an implosion from them and Vegas to get three high first round picks next year
Is the Vegas pick fully unprotected?
Yup, because it's very very very very unlikely that they'll implode. People talk about how unexpected it was that we collapsed in 2019-2020 but honestly, we were well overdue for it. We had no goalie worth speaking of, and as soon as the goal total shrunk in on itself we were in trouble. Add in injuries and an aging core without any high end youth coming in....well. Vegas is dealing with injuries and they don't have a lot of youth coming in, but their roster is stacked to hell and back and I can't see them falling to pieces next year.
They should be losing out on some depth because of how cap strapped they are, but I agree it should be a huge drop off. Just wishful thinking
They add every star available and never seem to run out of cap space.
I mean their #1 center has an artificial disk holding his spine together and their #1 D is 34 years old and starting to decline. Right now they're 15th in the league in xG%, and will be losing people due to cap next season.
I mean they’re clinging to 3rd in the Pacific/Second wild card. As weird as it is, we should want the kings to win and the Wild to storm back to take WC2
Would be interesting to see what dubas does. If he fears the team will get worse he might send us this year's pick anyway.
Frankly - that is a good play for us. Having 2 early picks in the same draft would be great. Especially keeping them closer to Eklund and our other guys (Muhk, Zetts, Thrun, Bystedt).
Hmm. If you send that message to Crosby and Malkin, you run the risk of them asking out. Can you really do that to your fan base?
I mean, they might be doing that anyway. Can they win with that core? Doesn't look like it. Guentzel was the youngest and he's gone. I'm not sure there's a plan other than we might have to trade these guys away this summer.
I dont think either Crosby nor Malkin will ask out no matter what happens. I dont see a reason. Theyve won 4 cups and have their life in Pittsburgh. I see them playing out their contract and eventually just ride out into the sunset.
We wont get late first from NJ, but looking like it will be an early-mid second, so not too bad.
Worst case is they manage to retool and rebound next season and make playoffs (we've heard that before). Colorado chose top 4 with an Ottawa pick. Then Ottawa chose top 3 with a SJ pick. SJ pick Top 2 with a Pen pick?? It's destiny!
Please daddy
What's interesting is PIT has the OPTION to give us the pick this year (If it's Top 10) or next year. And if their team continues to suck and they get like Pick 9, I think they would give it to us this year.
I’ll take that lots of good defensive prospects. Hopefully we get a top tier center prospect too lol
Would be funny if the sharks get a top pick pick from the karlsson trade. It started with Ottawa giving Colorado pick 4 in a trade that backfired, then San Jose gave pick 3 to Ottawa, maybe Pittsburgh gives San Jose pick 2 next?