Joined: May 2022
Posts: 9,184
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Let's look beyond trading Panarin to a rival and the return of the trade.
The cap freed up just went back into wingers. Yes, it's because you assumed you can get a cheap C, in Wright but based off Lafreniere and Kakko's experience, it's not a stretch to think he won't be super impactful as the 3C, and Chytil is probably not ready to be the 2C.
You can spend half the cap on 5 guys if there is least a center, a D-man, and you have an elite goalie and all 5 players are effective.