Wayne Gretzky? What are you even talking about?
Max Pacioretty is 29 and for his entire career he's scored at a mid-60s rate for every year except this one. Four straight seasons of 30 goals then this one. If you think this is the beginning of a steep decline in his career, I just don't know what to say to you. You were probably convinced Eric Staal was done two years ago as well.
Regardless, my point was made--Pacioretty is the one they should trade because he's going to end up being the most expensive. The return isn't even a concern. They'll get what they get.
what Wayne Gretzky has to do with it is his decline started at the same age as Pacioretty
if it can happen to Gretzky it can happen to anyone
thats what it has to do with pacioretty
I get it you dont want to believe it but it does happen and neither one of us can prove it either way but teams have a right and a responsibility to be cautious
and there is nothing you CAN say, other than to keep him and hope he bounces back, but none of you are willing to do that, so all that says is that none of you really believe he will bounce back.....which is what I and so many others have said all along
thats why youre really so desparate to trade him
if you really thought hell yeah he's gonna be just as good as he ever was youd keep him and be happy to, but you dont really believe that
thats why nobody stepped up to trade for him, they are waiting to see if hes finished
and obviously the return does matter at least to Bergevin, or he would have accepted what ever he could get, unless you think nobody offered anything