Quoting: ReelBigFan
I mean, unless Sanhiem opts not to stay in Philly and comes out publicly saying he wants to test the market, then Philly could just extend Sanhiem and call it a day
Most definitely not a bad option. I like the offensive ability of Girard and the fact he can switch to RD (which Sanheim hasn;t been as successful at). PHI has Provorov, York, and some other good prospects at LD, and while Ellis, Risto are RD, theres only Attard and possibly the choice of the 5th overall of Nemec or Jiricek.
I would assume York is ready for 2LD and say PHI doesn;t choose Nemec or Jiricek at 5th overall, then for PHI moving Sanheim makes more sense, and like you and COL posters have said its a lateral move, but I think with Girards puck carrying/production/RD ability, he gives PHI more options than Sanheim. Its not a move PHI has to make either with a defense of Provorov/Sanheim/York and Risto/Ellis/Attard as a starting 6, but IMO if PHI chooses a forward in the draft a defense of Provorov-Ellis, Girard-Risto, York-stay at home RD (Holl, Lyubushkin for 2 options) has better balance.
PHI shouldn;t overpay and COL shouldnt under accept, but as laid out above I think it provides a solid team for COL this yr and moving forward and gives PHI a stable long term defense.