I can't quote this properly because it's already a quote so I'll just run through quick:
Darcy is waiting with Vanek presumably because teams aren't making him worthwhile offers. What can he do about that? Regarding teams losing interest in Vanek via FA's, there are only so many decent FAs and many more teams will be interested in them than have realistic interest in Vanek, because Vanek costs assets and is a top line player. Regardless of what happens in FA, I would think there'll be a few teams with worthwhile interest in Vanek.
Re: Scouting, selection options, and the difference in the drafts, you're just consistently missing my point and I'm not sure anything I say is going to change that. I'll just stress this point instead: Most teams this year are far less likely to include this year's pick because they know where it is and they know who'll more or less be available with it. So, your preference doesn't matter, of course my and everyone's preference is to have, say, #20 in this draft than what will likely be around #20 next draft. A team's going to have that same preference.
The likelihood is that Darcy will be looking for a combination of roster player, pick, and prospect in these deals if he can help it. It's not like the deal will be centered around draft picks or mostly draft picks. So, I'm not sure we'd be looking at a great draft pick either way but we're more likely to get a 1st rounder as part of the return if it's in next year's draft, unless it's like #28 in this year's. In such a case, I'd just as soon have that team's pick next year as at least there's a chance it finishes as a better pick than #28.
Let's say we are making a trade with the Islanders. I'd rather have their 1st next year than 15th overall this year. There's no guarantee they'll make the playoffs next year in the new divisional system. Any team that misses the playoffs has a shot at winning the lottery for #1. I could see them take a step back with all the parity in the league and the fact they were a borderline team to begin with. There are surely other examples where the pick next year is a better gamble than this year.
Re: the rest
I'd like to stockpile 1st rounder in this draft, maybe high 2nds to a lesser extent. But it's not something you can just say and then do. Is Darcy trying to do it as much as I would? Probably not, but I can't really say for sure. I don't think he's intent on truly blowing the team up whereas I would feel comfortable moving Miller, Vanek, Stafford, my fav dude Sekera and maybe some other pieces... not necessarily straight up for picks, but I'd be looking for 1sts and 2nds where I could get them.
That's not the only or necessarily even the best way to get good, young talent, though. Deals can be made for prospects that more is known about or young players on the cusp of cracking the NHL. Darcy knows more about what's out there than I do. I question his commitment to blowing it up, as I don't think that's what he has in mind. What I don't question is his handling of Vanek and Miller right now because he knows the trade market far better than we do. In hindsight I might complain, depending on what we get (if he even trades them). Right now, not so much?
You're entitled to feel differently but I'll side with Darcy that the best shot at good return isn't available right now. It's not like he said "I'm waiting to trade them." If a team makes a good offer then that's that. Draft day is more likely to open things up. If it looks like Darcy was wrong then I'm going to roast him because, like you, all things being equal I'd like to see us have another 1st in this draft.
