Plus side it sounds like Kreider is as good as gone. That is very smart for a few reasons:
1. He is the best forward available at the trade DL, which means we should get a great return. An NHL ready good prospect and a 1st round pick to start.
2. We are not making the playoffs this year. We at best will be a fringe type playoff team next year with a lot of dead money against the cap, and more kids getting their feet wet. So in 2 years when we are really ready to win Kreider will be 30, and maybe have 2 good years left.
3. He is going to get a 6 or 7 year deal for 7 mill per +/-. No shot we should pay him that. And before anyone says we can afford him, I am NOT saying we cannot afford him, we can, I am saying it would not be a smart move given the haul we can get in return, the fact we are not a playoff team this year and most likely next year, and he is simply not worth 7 mill per +/- for 6 or 7 years.
Smart move by Gorton. I have thought all along he was getting dealt for sure.