If Windsor's got a chance to make noise, you don't deal him. It's one thing this city has craved and it sends the wrong message. "We're in first, but we've just dealt a seriously talented guy IN CASE he's not back next season." Heck, it wouldn't shock me if Nashville kept him in the OHL next season, if Windsor goes on a run.
If he lives up to expectations he's likely one and done regardless of how Windsor looks next year.
I know Nashville doesn't rush their prospects into the NHL but being AHL eligible in a year Windsor isn't likely to contend, see how they look at the deadline I think between him and two or three others there's a nice pile of picks and players on the table waiting to be had.
Do you risk solidifying the foundation of a three to four year run for a possible extra round in the playoffs and hope he comes back or do you add another big piece or two plus picks moving him and a couple of others to become serious contenders next year and beyond?
The only way I would leave picks/players on the table in January in the hopes of getting to the second round is if I knew he was coming back and Windsor had some commitments from a couple of fliers for next year, neither of which is likely to happen.
Who we could move likely isn't enough to get us beyond the second round and beyond without spending to add. I don't want to see anymore half ***** attempts at things. Move out the players who won't return, develop the kids and add to them as well as to the picks.
Windsor doesn't have the depth this year to go along with the picks. That's another long stretch of hard times if they spend this year.
Next year will be a seller's market, if Windsor stands pat and their likely graduating players did return then they will have about 6x 2nds, 4x 3rds and a couple of fourths to add big. Would it be enough? Doubtful and again, likely leads to another long stretch of hard times.
I want to see them competitive, for more than a one year stretch every four or five years so while they are still in a build mode I want to see them finally do it right, set themselves up for an early shot next year while basically standing pat then have the assets to be at the top for a real three to four year stretch afterwards.
If they're in first at the deadline and showing they can be a serious contender this year then make a push but that's not a realistic expectation just yet.
Don't simply hold players at this point just for the sake of two extra playoff gates when they can set themselves up many more in the coming seasons. Is it really worth it?