BobClarkesfrontteeth
Registered User
Because we want to also win now, win later, keep winning. Dundon seems to want to own a dynasty.
Getting Andersen is about winning now. Getting Askarov is about winning in 2024 and on.
From what we have seen of Dundon winning now is a very high priority and the time to sacrifice some of the "what if" future is on hand. They know they cannot win with their current tandem. They have given them 2 post seasons to prove otherwise. Waiting until 2024 for Askarov to become elite might be fools gold with the Flyers, Tampa(here now but with several strong young pieces), possibly the Leafs and the Rangers all forming strong young teams that look to be equal or better than the core being built in Carolina. I like Carolina's team right now for the next 2 seasons if they upgrade in net.
They might go sign a player like Holtby or Markstom but then it is even more reason to not draft Askarov. You don't draft him to let him ride the pine for 5 seasons.
Askarov is a step back for the Leafs from Anderson but the value of his ELC for three years in a flat cap world is of huge value to them.