I think Kane's departure was in-flight prior to Grier, but I'd never had guessed he'd have Karlsson, Burns, Kane, Meier, and Hertl out the door with a cost of $5.5M ($3.1 starting in 2025) I'd have guessed we were stuck with all but Burns and Meier.
Meier trade looks very good, if they had beaten the Canes last year it'd have been outstanding. Karlsson trade looks very good- he certainly took advantage of his Norris year (and aguably facilitated a system that allowed EK to build trade value). Wouldn't be surprised if Granlund gets flipped for another 1st too.
With a cleaner cap, I'll be curious to see how Grier uses free agency this year. Go for a few guys on overpriced one year deals with the goal of grabbing a few more picks at the deadline? Take cap dumps for assets? 1st and 2nd rounds look good, but I'd like to see further picks. Also open to signing a top 4 d-man/top 6 forward, but figure those who'd be interested in SJ would have quite a premium to join the Sharks. With that in mind, I'd probably pass on them.
I think he's also done a good job of building a much deeper talent pool. Aside from Smith, Musty, and Muk, I'm not crazy about our individuals, but Lund, Bystedt, Thrun, Havelid, Cagnoni, Hultaunen, Edstrom could all be middle 6 forwards or 4-5 d-men. We'll need that level of player in addition to top 6 forward and top pairing d-men. We should be able to add two blue chip guys at positions of need (C, D, and RW), with a couple more lotto tickets in the 2nd.
It is crazy though that if we win the lottery, Grier gets an automatic A (tear down-->franchise C), while if we fall to 2 or 3, it's kind of an incomplete until we see what comes out of the player drafted. Totally unfair, but Celebrini automatically boosts the GM who acquires him a letter grade. Hopefully it's us. Don't we deserve a #1 overall.