This is tough

Core 1 is younger and slightly better imo (with the exception of Bergeron>Ellis and Kubalik>Domi), but Core 2 has a better cap situation

if I had to pick one id take core 1

Hmmm was easily leaning towards core 1 until hit domi. I’m really not a domi fan. I’ll still go with core 1 but he’s on the block instantly

I'd have to go with core 2 if I'm rebuilding I want the team with the best value and I think people would be more willing to take on short term rentals like bergeron oppose to long term guys like ellis

Core 2 for me. I could trade Connor Brown for a dman that I could build around.

Btw this was fun thanks!

Core 1, and it's really not that close for me.

Even if you want to call Matthews and EIchel a toss up (fair) and you want to call Heiskenan and Makar a toss up (less fair), it's really tough to put Bergeron in a "core" considering he's in his mid thirties. Domi isn't as good, obviously, but is a solid 2C to play behind Matthews and has miles of runway ahead of him career-wise. Other than Kubalik and Eichel, who is doing the scoring on Core 2? Considering there's one defenseman on that core, I would want some more dynamic offensive players, and those are hard to acquire. Meanwhile Core 1 already has Matthews (recently a Richard finalist) and Makar, who was quarterbacking the power play of one of the best teams in the league as a 21 year old, along with Domi and Kapanen to pot 15-20 goals a season, maybe more in Domi's case.

The overall depth, balance of offensive/defensive talent, and general youth of Core 1 puts it over the edge. Two Norris caliber defenseman help too. That team can compete now but also five years from now. Core 2...who knows. It depends on Dellandrea or Brown becoming a 2C whenever the wheels fall off Bergeron.

I don’t like this!!! I like some players from 1, and some from 2.

This is good.

I'd say 1, but you really can't go wrong.

This is a unique and fun idea - nice job!

2.