Quoting: sens65
I wouldn't trade DeBrincat for Gourde, Gourde has played an entire season this year and has scored 11 goals, DeBrincat is just a far better player.
Gourde is not paid to score goals... oposedly to DeBrincat
DeBrincat is more skilled/flashy, I'll give you that but I don't know if you noticed, our problem is 5v5 play, not PP
Norris was injured and he has the best shot on the team. His one timer is deadly. The PP doesn't absolutely need DeBrincat
DeBrincat has 33 non PP pts this season, Gourde has 42 non PP pts and is a much much better player all around.
But that's not even the main problem. DeBrincat has a 9.0 Qualifying Offer. It's going to be hard to get him signed under that because of past production and he'll be looking for a long term contract. Gourde doesn't have much term and is not overpaid. Our cap flexibility is going to be very important going forward. Would you want to lose one of Pinto, Greig, Kleven, etc because we chose to overpay DeBrincat long term?
Whoever signs him to a 9.0 x 8 years is going to regret it. Mark my words.