I don't think we need to give up MORE first round picks

If it pans out and they end up being late first round, is it that big of a deal?

The key to success is to sign a good top tier center, for free, via UFA. Even a Thornton or Pavelski for 2 years is better than mortgaging the draft picks for years to come via the offer sheet.

Don’t get me wrong I really like Duchene but, that would be 2 first round picks and someone on the tail end of their career. He would be 36 by the time his contract expires... I’d have no problem giving up the picks now to get a potentially elite player for 7 years of his prime

If you're going all on Point you're going to have to pay. If 10m is the best he gets in an offer sheet, I imagine he signs for less in Florida.

Not to mention, you live by the offer sheet, you die by the offer sheet. Next year when Jackets are tight to the cap and Dubois & Andy need new contracts, some GMs will be more likely to offer sheet against a GM who tried to Use the offer sheet in the past, whether successful or not. Unwritten rule.