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Originally Posted by 101st_fan
I haven't seen a single person who doesn't want the team to take that next step. The big issue is in HOW to do it. There's a lot of cost/benefit analysis in play here.
There are always people advocating the high risk, big move. It's sexy, it always comes with name recognition, it's also usually a sink or swim proposition. The Devils went that route with Kovalchuk and they've struggled to make the post season since and are now handcuffed by the cap. Columbus has made repeated moves for the big name player and it's failed for them every time. Toronto went hard after Kessel. As Glenn pointed out, pulling off the Kessel deal in the summer of 09 would have required robbing Peter to pay Paul. Wilson would definitely be gone, maybe Josi or Blum, possibly the pick we packaged in the Fisher deal, plus a roster player to clear cap space.
Neither the Kovy nor the Kessel deals have yet paid off for the NJ or TOR.
The go wild in the FA during the summer route is far from a guarantee either. The Habs went wild in 09 without a huge benefit. Calgary spends to the cap every season without success lately. Big spending is hit or miss. For every Vancouver or Boston there is an Edmonton or Calgary.
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As has already been pointed out, that's a statement without context. Toronto was in horrible shape prior to that move. I don't think one can argue against the notion that they are now moving in very good direction now and Kessel (along with other moves like Lupul and even Phaneuf) are key cogs in that move.
New Jersey was in a world of hurt before signing Kovy and their situation has only gotten worse due to their ownership issues. As good as Lou is, he's never shown the same touch since the cap came into existence. They keep trying to hang on, much like Calgary with slightly younger players.
Nashville's situation is different than both of those franchises. While certainly not in the same situation as Pittsburgh, Detroit, or Chicago when each acquired Hossa (strangely enough), they are certainly
much closer to those franchises than they are to New Jersey or Toronto. Those acquisitions worked out well for those franchises.
I agree that it's hit or miss. That said, I have a lot of confidence in David Poile to bring bottom six talent (and low end top six talent) into the fold at a reasonable price. I don't have the same confidence in this franchise's ability to draft or groom top-3 level forward talent.
As for plummeting into the abyss like Columbus, I again point to the confidence I have in David Poile to prevent that (along with Barry Trotz- not to be forgotten). I don't think it's fair to make comparisons to the futility in Columbus without considering the different management and coaching groups.
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Boston's handling of the Kessel situation might be more of a usable model for us after looking at most of the big moves the league has seen over the past few years. They parlayed a disgruntled RFA into picks and players fill their holes, improve their overall roster, and take that next step. As distasteful as that is to some, it could be the wisest move forward for Poile in regards to Weber.
To make an improvement this season means looking at what the Islanders, Oilers, Canes, Ducks, and maybe the Bolts or Bugs are willing to move and at what cost. Parise probably doesn't hit the market as long as the Devils are in the hunt. Iginla doesn't get shopped unless the Flames go into rebuild move very soon. Dallas isn't going to move Jamie Benn. It's going to come down to what the asking price is on a guy like Hemsky, Moulson, or B. Ryan.
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Boston had more going for them that their handling of Kessel. They drafted Seguin (admitted via the Kessel trade, but it reinforced the fact that they got the #2 overall and not a late first round pick like Nashville would get from Philly, for example). They also brought in Nathan Horton.
As for the guys you mentioned, I do think Parise could be had with the right offer (and, yes, that means some form of overpayment with the right fit). That said, Matt Moulson would be a huge get as would Bobby Ryan.
Nashville needs to stay away from Hemsky.