Edited Apr. 12, 2019 at 4:09 a.m.
Quoting: Claebom
The name is definitely off the charts. Elite name/60, for sure.
I agree that Braun looks like a fit from the perspective, and I'm not opposed to the idea. The issue is that Dorion has expressed interest in Cody Ceci on a long term extension. DeMelo and Jaros aren't going anywhere, and neither are Chabot and Wolanin. We then have Ceci, Boro, Harpur, Brannstrom, and Lajoie all competing for those last two spots. It's the perfect guy for the Sens to pick up, but not if they're going to be keeping Ceci. That locks up the right side. Braun isn't a permanent solution for the Sens and would very likely only be a cap dump-esque pick up. He's too old to be of interest for the future of the team. That being said, if Ceci doesn't get signed, it's definitely reasonable.
Every team should be so lucky as to have a Quiddich player in their prospect pool!
Sigh - I do agree with you that Ceci looks like he's going to be there for a good long while. He's young, he's producing points - so who cares that he's super inconsistent, right? But man, I wish you luck with that contract negotiation and hope it's not as hellish as I think we all suspect it will be. I think every team eventually winds up with a player being paid far too much on far too long of a contract for his play to justify - with the Sharks it's going to be Vlasic and Burns and possibly Karlsson >.<
It's a pity, because I honestly do think that importing vets from teams with really good locker room culture is invaluable for rebuilding teams that have lost most of their seasoned players and are up to their necks in rookies and young players. Braun might not be putting up the numbers that he did three or four years ago, but he's got a good reputation as a solid team player who knows how to put the work in & imo there's a lot of value in having a 7th round pick who worked himself into being part of a really damn good shut down pairing modeling discipline and dedication to personal development.
Anyway, thanks for the conversation! I would've replied sooner but I had a game to go to and then a celebratory hangover to deal with. :P