Joined: Jan. 2016
Posts: 2,156
Likes: 521
Pelech on the 1st pairing makes me want to puke.
As great as Point would be on the Isles, I'd find Duchene a more likely, less costly and similarly valuable option. To be clear, Duchene isn't a likely signing, there really isn't anything linking him to the Isles this coming Free Agency. But I think offer sheeting Point is even more unlikely. Not only would most GMs view 4 1st rounders as too high a price and too high a risk (Lou included), I think Tampa Bay would rather use up their own 1st rounders as cap bribery to unload Callahan and free up the space to keep Point. If the Lightning let Coburn walk (between Hedman, McDonaugh and Sergachev on LHD they don't need him), and move Callahan, they can probably get Point to stay. Especially with Florida's tax laws taken into account. And honestly, I'd rather save the 4 1st rounders and just take Duchene in. He'd probably command less of a cap hit. Sure, Duchene won't score as much as Point, but Duchene has shown he can score without being surrounded by talent. Point hasn't. Not to say Point wouldn't be great, but we know more of what we're getting with Duchene.
I agree with Yankees2019, Barzal won't get 11m aav from the Isles. He produced just over 60 points this season, which is fine, but he'd need to repeat or surpass his rookie campaign next season to warrant anything over 10m aav.
Other than that, good use of cheap young contracts to field an offensive powerhouse with a proven defense and goaltending presence. This team would contend for a Cup.