Well if you look at the other teams that are in on Kuemper, CGY, CAR, CHI, EDM. All those teams pick in the 13-19th range, The Sharks aren't picking until 29th at the earliest.

It's believed that ARI is looking for a 1st+ for Kuemper so SJ would need to outbid the other teams that can offer a higher selection.

Our interest in DK might also be a ruse to entice other teams to compete for him thereby reducing the competition in the goalie UFA market.

Realistically, the only way adding DK makes sense for us is if ARI retains half his salary.

Exactly why I think ARI could get more and the sharks likely cannot get him.

EDM specifically I think will make a good swing for him

I would have to think their interest in Kuemper is legit, just looking at how much Jones has struggled the past 2 seasons.

It's possible, but it's also possible DW is playing chess. Not trying to artificially prop him up, but he is known to be a savage GM.

While it is fully legit I think. We need these high picks badly. I love kuemper too but honestly if it costs our first we need to acquire another one before we make that commitment

Well honestly, it's just Wilson doing his job. It would be irresponsible of him not to inquire on Kuemper. If a one of the better goalies in the league becomes available, you need to see what it would cost.

Probably more likely SJ looks to UFA as you suggested.

And if EDM gets him they won't re-sign Smith, who I think would be a fun fit in SJ, especially for a bargain price.

Wait this might actually be a 2,000,000 IQ deduction

That’s way too much for a goalie that’s been up and down. Anything more than 31st overall is too much (and even that is high if Hinostroza isn’t coming with). SJ not getting in a bidding war for a goalie with only 1 season of 50+ starts.

How so?

It's a classic money pool scam (legal, of course), but one where the artificial inflation is the value of the player.
Our marks just happen to be teams who all have veteran goalies hoping to be re-signed (CGY, EDM, CHI, and CAR). If one of them gets caught up in the competition for DK and decides to make the trade, it makes it very easy for us to approach their odd-man-out goalie, and it dilutes the overall UFA pool.