You removed a solid middle 6 F? This team is worse.

Can't just assume young kids will make you a contender...

Hartnell is still productive enough to warrant his contract. He's on pace for 50 points this year and has fit in extremely well in the bottom six with the young kids. He's played extremely well with both Gagner/Sedlak and Karlsson/Anderson. While his contract does take an NMC spot, the Jackets are going to lose a good player regardless. Whether it be Calvert, or Karlsson, or Jack Johnson, someone good is leaving for free. If Hartnell were to be traded though, CBJ would want a roster player and pick. It wouldn't make sense to void Hartnell's scoring hole without immediately replacing it. While a lot of the "kids" are doing well, I doubt any of them will immediately have 50 points their first year. If I'm the Jackets I protect Dubi, Foligno, Hartnell, Atkinson, Saad, Wennberg, Jenner, Jones, Murray, Savard, and Bob; and then offer Vegas a 2nd or 3rd round pick to NOT select Josh Anderson.