Harder to Play Against

Kakko has more value than Vilardi in our perspective. Miller + 1st makes this insane fleecery.

Simply addressing a need. Kakko hasn’t done much and plays a position that isn’t a need. I see no issue with moving a surplus to address an area of need. Given his lack of scoring I don’t think LA would consider unless a defenseman was coming back. Plus we can’t just run 20 kids on the ice that doesn’t work. We need to establish 5-6 and run with them as the core. I see it as Laf-Kravtsov-Shesty-Fox-Lindgren-Vilardi in this scenario. Resigning guys will be an issue regardless of adding any vets. This at least works and lays down a solid foundation to grow from.

You paid Chytil, Strome, and a 2nd for an over performing bottom 6 forward.

You realize he was traded for a 5th-round pick right?


As for Vilardi, he's been solid but he's not played to the point where he gets Kakko, Miller, and a first. It's extremely ill-advised.

The Lightning deal is atrocious as well. Here's why:

Lightning dump 3 contracts of underperforming players all pushing their 30s making $5M+ for the next several years and pick up a phenomenal young defensive prospect on a cheap ELC and a decent goal scoring forward while saving millions of dollars for no compensation.

You’re delusional if you think every prospect is gonna turn out to be a stud. Last time I checked those underperforming players are busting their ass off in the playoffs while our guys are golfing. There’s no guarantee with Jones or any of these prospects on defense. Kakko can play defense, but last time I checked he was drafted for his scoring ability which has been practically nonexistent. Miller is okay. Stephenson is on a solid contract, can win face offs and can play both ways something Strome kinda can’t do, plus we couldn’t afford to resign him anyway. I’m not sold on Chytil putting it together and it seems like neither is management considering their desperation to improve down the middle. Take off the blinders and stop thinking every player we got is the second coming of Gretzky.

I think Tampa accepts and runs