Quoting: dannibalcorpse
-Same kind of vibe here- I think ROR would make Seattle better, sure, but I think that Seattle giving up Firkus++ is too much to give up from their pipeline. I know Vegas has kind of warped our expectations for what new organizations do, but I think there's something to be said for building up a solid foundation for more long term success instead of blasting out prospects for rentals. To use an example from Vegas pushing their chips in too far too fast - do you think they'd still trade for Max Pacioretty if they knew what Nick Suzuki was going to turn into?
Just gonna skippppp right past the Gibby stuff, because that discussion just isn't worth it
Regarding the 2nd part though, the Patches trade specifically...I'd counter with "Do you think they'd still trade for Mark Stone if they knew what Erik Brannstrom was going to become?" (Yes. Obviously yes.), or, alternatively, what cherry on top would have come from substituting Cody Glass for Suzuki, who, at the time, was considered the much better prospect (Concussions suck). Not saying that Seattle should be a team that goes all in right now, but Vegas knew they were a strong team, and ending up winning their division in 2 out of the first 3 years Patches was there (Semi finals twice, conference finals once over 3 years as well).
I like that Vegas has continued to add. The goal of a good team should be winning. I don't think Seattle is quite there, and yeah, there's a big difference between multiple years of control vs. buying a rental. Again, not saying that I'd do this if I was Seattle, but if the right player with term came along, I'd have no issue moving a package like this.