Quoting: benjgc
Let's compare, then:
Option 1: "Dump Nyquist"
Keep Bjorkstrand (at least until this offseason or next, when we have to dump more cap)
Lose Nyquist, plus 2023 1st and additional asset (let's say Foudy)
Total asset difference: -Nyquist, -2023 1st, -Foudy
End result: Likely miss playoffs, no 1st rounder in deep draft
Option 2: "Bite the Bullet"
Keep Nyquist (and trade him at the TDL for a 1st a la Foligno/Savard if we are not strongly in the mix), add 3rd/4th from Seattle
Lose Bjorkstrand now
Total asset difference: -Bjorkstrand, +3rd, +4th, +1st at TDL
End result: Miss playoffs, have 2 1st rounders in deep first round, and room to sign critical extensions and make necessary additions over the next two offseasons
It sucks to lose Bjorkstrand, but he (more accurately, his salary cap hit relative to his place in the lineup) no longer fit in with the team's timeline (i.e. competing for deep runs in 24-25 and beyond). So I think this really was the right decision, even if I freaking hate losing Ollie.
We wouldn't have needed to move Bjorkstrand after this season or next. Only FA's of note after this season are Vlad, Peeke, and Tex, and our cap space (adding Bjorkstrand and accounting for a 23-man roster) would probably be in the $12M range - more than enough to extend those guys. Jake comes off the books the year after.
Frankly, once we are under for Laine, we are set for the near term, absent sizeable cap added in UFA or trade.
And I mean, if the cost to move Gus is Foudy, then OK. We're already wondering whether he makes the team this year anyway. Add, say, a play-off protected 1st, and, while not good, it's not monstrously horrible.
It's also difficult to project to the TDL this year and say with confidence Gus is going to get a 1st - he'd definitely need to be having a career year; and, in flat cap environment, even mid-season, taking on cap is a difficult ask.
That being said, there really wasn't a good solution here, I get it. I'd rather have Bjorkstrand back, and while I'm not ready to defend the move, so to speak, I understand Jarmo's incentive to have done it. We'll never know what offers were on the table for CBJ to have to consider.
I feel bad for the teams still needing to move cap, because every day that goes by and we get closer to the start of the season, the more it is going to cost to move money - particularly bad money.