Very legitimate concern. I had the same ones last year - and we were talking about him producing at a fraction of what he's done so far. However given the contracts, how consistent Sheary has been this year and how he's actually looking on the ice (creating plays for Crosby, vs only cashing in on what Crosby creates), it's a risk I'm more than willing to take.
Yeah, for sure. Don't get me wrong, I'm not ******** on Sheary to **** on him. I am just cautious because he had quite a few lackluster playoff games last season and the bulk of his surge in play and production came when Sid was playing at an ungodly level earlier this season. And I will agree that part of Sid's play can be attributed to Sheary's, but I think it's much more due to Sid. The only issue I think is a legitimate one with regard to Duchene is the cap issue, but we're set to get rid of Fleury ($5.75M) and hopefully Kunitz ($3.85M), Bonino ($1.9M) and Daley ($3.3M) come off the books this summer with only Daley being a guy I'd think about re-signing. We may also be losing Hagelin in the expansion draft, which is another $4M off the books. As long as we can fit Duchene in at the deadline, I think we're good moving forward.
Regarding Pouliot, I think it's far to say most felt that by 4.5 years after his draft that he'd be a top 4D. I know there were a few that never liked him (and you could have been one of those - I can't remember), but most (despite being pissed that FF or someone else wasn't picked) still felt that he could be a top 4D at the NHL level. Who knows, he still might become one... but that's looking more and more like a long shot at this point.
Yeah, I've reviled the Pouliot pick since day one and have been very vocal and very pessimistic about him (perhaps too much).
My point is simply that prospects do not always pan out - regardless of how good they may look in juniors or even in the minors. And banking a lot on Sprong to pan out is a risk - much more so then paying Sheary 3.5m for 3+ years. So while I like Sprong and I do not really want to trade him... neither am I going to move a more established young guy just to keep him. If I can move Jarry (or even Jarry+), I would. But I'm moving Sprong every day over Guentzel and Sheary, simply because we hope that Sprong can do what they're currently doing - but that's far from a guarantee.
Yeah, I agree there's a very big question mark regarding Sprong. There's no doubting that, but from what I've seen of the kid's shot and skating ability, and his play since returning from surgery this season, there's no reason to think he's going to turn into anything but a very good offensive player. Especially on this team, where his speed and scoring ability will fit right in.
If we could land Duchene without moving Sheary, I'd be all for it. I just don't think Colorado even thinks about responding unless it's Maatta + Sheary/Guentzel/Sprong, and I'd pick Sheary out of those three. To me, there are quite a few question marks regarding Sheary as well; are we seeing his absolute best and can he sustain that, and is his health going to be an ongoing issue? I saw quite a bit of bad from Sheary during the Cup run, enough to be cautious and certainly enough to trade him for Duchene if given the opportunity. Again, Duchene's got years of play/production mirroring the absolute best we've seen from Sheary thus far.
