Quoting: tkerr
This is a “Retool” adding quality picks. Swayman is getting 7-8.5 million. Do you really think BOS wants to pay 2 Goalie’s next year 13.5 million? I understand Goaltending is their biggest reason for success. Our current forwards group is #7-14 in the league. They’d allows us to win a round or 2 (if that). Adding Hertl (Czech mafia) makes them contenders. We aren’t deep enough for one goalie to ride the pine in playoffs. I wouldn’t be shocked with BOS D-zone system if Campbell actually is a decent back up for 1-2 years. Then buy him out. I’ll take the first round picks
I see three arguments here, I will address them in turn:
1.
We don't want to pay 13m in goaltending next year.
Sure, I can agree with this if there is a deal out there. But retaining 2.5m on Ully and bringing in Campbell for 2.5m does not actually change this from just keeping Ully. It only would have an impact at all if you bury Campbell, and call up a goalie with a salary lower than his buried cap relief, but that would be minimal.
2.
Campbell could be a decent backup in our system.
He could be. There is a high risk he won't be given his poor performance in the AHL. We will never know unless they try, but that is a hefty contract to take that risk on.
3.
The picks are worth it.
This team could use picks, no doubt. But i think the lost cap flexibility is not worth it. This team as constituted is probably not winning a cup, but if you make this move for these picks, you have to be OK with the idea that we might not be competitive for a few more years. These are not going to be top 5 picks, and they won't be in the league for probably 4 years or so. UFAs fit our situation better than 1st round picks, IMO. I'll take the flexibility over the picks. Now if we can get picks without taking back an albatross contract, I'd definitely entertain that....