Let's look at this deal a little deeper:
Moore - We have seen what he is. He does have upside. Maybe someday he can develop into that 2nd pair dman, but it wasn't happening here. That became clear I think. And our top 4 was locked in for a few years, so the chance wasn't going to be there anyway. With him getting a raise as a RFA this summer, I view moving him as not a huge deal. 3rd pair dman right now.
Duclair - This is the big piece. I think we all believe he has very good offensive upside. He could be a 30/60 guy down the road. Very well could happen in 2 or 3 years. Here is what we need to keep in mind though, he is not the big physical guy like Kreider. He doesn't have Miller's size or girth either. Now he can/will be special on O, but I don't see him as a solid two way player that physically can take over a game like Kreider. Plus we have Kreider, Miller, Buch, and Hayes still as young forwards with upside. Maybe the Rangers think Buch, who they want over here now, has more upside than Duclair...who knows.
Lottery protected 1st in 2016 - We miss the playoffs and Zona does not get the pick. So we are talking about a pick in the 20's somewhere (hopefully late 20's or 30 for our sake). Obviously this is a good chip, but we are not talking about a top 15 pick even. Let's remember that. And adding Hayes this past season really was huge and allowed us to have a "1st rounder" in 2014.
2nd rounder in 2015 - Another good chip, but whether it is our 2nd or TB's 2nd, the pick will be in the 40's, and could be in the 50's. Hopefully part of the deal says we can to pick which 2nd rounder we give them. Plus we get a 4th in 2016, which could be an early 4th unless in one year Zona does a total turn around. So maybe we lose 40 spots in this pick exchange.
We gave up a lot, but you have to give to get. We now have the best D in the NHL. We get Yandle for next year at a 2.6 mill cap hit. And outside of Duclair it will be hard for Zona to add a stud in this deal. Maybe Moore is solid. Maybe the later 1st will be solid. Maybe the late 2nd will be solid. But it isn't easy to get studs in the 20's and 40's.
For us, for our cup window the next 2 seasons, I think it was the right move. And don't sleep on adding Sheppard. He has size, he wins faceoffs over 50%, I saw SJ fans comparing him to Prust in terms of motor and how his teammates love him. I think he could be a good add as well.
Very good day for Mr. Sather. Now let's get the cup.