sjsharks82
Joined: Jun. 2018
Posts: 208
Likes: 49
Its interesting to think they could land both duchene and Skinner, and if they could without touching meier and hertl, that would be impressive.
I dont mind continuing to deal picks. The sharks have a very mediocre record with late 1st rounders (Hertl is one of the only ones taken out of the top 10 that has become a legit NHL player. Coyle too I suppose) but Goldobin, Mueller, Wishart, Kaspar, bernier... All worth basically nothing. And, they have done extremely well late in drafts and through free agency. I think Suomela will be a positive surprise.
The only problems I can see are:
1. Why trade Joachim Ryan for a pick? He looks like a very good young Dman, something the sharks are sorely missing. I wouldnt touch him.
2 In the longer term, keeping skinner and duchene will be very hard. both will get in the 7M vicinity. Dont think the sharks can have Cooch at 8M, Kane 7M, Skinner, 7M, Duchene at 7M, Burns, 8M, Vlasic 7M, Jones nearly 6M, Hertl 5.6M = 55.5M for just 5F, 2D, 1G. if you add in existing contracts to dillon and Braun = 63.5M. Meier will require at least 3M per on a bridge deal (likely closer to 4 if he steps up) = 66.5M. If the keep pavs = 7M --> 73.5M That would leave like 8M for 7 other forwards, 3 other D, and a backup goalie. Basically all others would have to be on ELC's which is not possible...
Theyd have to let pavs and donkey walk and/or trade dillon/Braun. If they let pavs and doneky walk, they will have a strong top 6F (Kane-Cooch-Hertl , Skinner-Duchene-Meier and the D would be the same as now with Jones as the #1. BUT, theyd have no depth at Goal, not much on the bottom two lines potentially as Sorenson, Goodrow, Suomela, Balcers, and company are all big question marks.
Personally, I think it would make sense to add one of them for the longer term. But Id still rather panarin as I see him as a much larger impact player. I also question the defensive acumen for both duchene and skinner. I would worry about a decline in the two-way game if Tierney goes and would want any replacement to be a clear impact plus player who is solid at both ends.