Flyers already have 4 NHL goalies lol what are we going to do with another one and why would we pay for it?

I'd rather keep those players on the Jackets than get Hertl tbh. Sillinger is looking up this year, Kuraly is meh, but Gudbranson has been a really strong contributor especially on the PK.

+ Will Smith not signing
+ Cam Lund not signing

(Should be at least some concern)

Why should there be concern, its not post college/ late nhl season. I'd rather Smith focus on his play in college and development then worry about signing with a team that wouldn't put him in a better place.
Both are owned till 2027. No need to worry for zero reason.

Zero concern.

Can they get worse?

I'd also be very wary of trading two of the A's away from a very young team, which Columbus still is.

Sorry SJS but think these are wildly optimistic. hertl 30yo 7x 8.13m, couture 34 yo 4x 8m are not ages/contracts that you are getting 1st, hoffman, duclair, barab, kahkonen are all on expiring dont see any have much trade value - take whatever pick can get.

Its going to be a long painful rebuild in SJS; lots of bad contracts to shed/wait till expire, need more draft capital, need better prospect pool, only 1 retention slot for years yikes. feel for you SJS fans

Was responding to “Make us worse” in literal sense.

Imagine both sign.