Quoting: Play_Party_Hard
- It would be nice to get a mid-round pick for Smith, but we shall see. I beg to differ on Gourde, he is the type of player this bottom-six needs. Would be a great 3C in Sullivan's system with both PK and PP ability. He only comes with one year as well - right up the GM's alley. With his hands somewhat tied, I find it more likely that Dubas will need to swap a contract at some point this summer.
- I understand there is some risk with Kylington, thus the one-year contract. He probably can come a little bit cheaper. I look at the Bruins' model this past offseason. They got criticized for signing what were deemed "irrelevant players." They contended for their division and won a playoff round. I can see Dubas using this methodology. The Pro Scouts have to get to work. Like I said, his hands are slightly tied and sending substantial futures should be off the table.
- In UFA, most contracts tend to be unfavorable. IF Dubas does get to move out Smith, he will have a little bit of luxury to spend where he should: the bottom-six and LHD. Sometimes a player's breakout year comes a little later in their career. Joshua would be a fine add for a bottom-six that needs more goals.
- These Penguins ACGMs with 5 or 6 trades just aren't realistic. Dubas is going to dig into the UFA market and make some fans go "huh?" Maybe there will be one splash signing at most. I get this website is fun, but the fanbase has to come down to Earth a little bit.
I think their spending is going to be different than you think. They will make 1 big move. It will be a 1LW. I'm almost certain of that.
Instead of spending 4 on Joshua they will spend 6 or 6.5 on Teräväinen. Which is better use of cap.
You are too worried about bottom 6 forwards. Gourde isn't some great replacement contract to Smith.
He's a small forward who's old, and frankly that's not really keen for a bottom 6 role.
I have no problem keeping Smith rather than swapping him out for a player like that who is more expensive. At some point you are just digging deeper in the hole for lost treasure. Forget that.
This team is loaded with young centers. Poulin, Broz, Ponomarev that's not even including Yager.
So looking to swap Smith out just to bring in another bad contract doesn't even make sense.
If they move him it should be for a pick and don't retain. Otherwise, just play it out. The grass isn't always greener.