I’d rather get a sure thing than potential that may never be realized. Offer them Mittlestat and Ryan Johnson as an opening bid. Then throw in a draft pick if necessary.
Jealousy, envy. They got the 1st overall pick 3 years in a row, then 2 years later got McDavid, who should have gone to Buffalo. They were rewarded for their continued incompetence with the best player in the world.
I think they’d resign Jankowski if he’s willing. Also Tokarski if he doesn’t find a NHL backup job. Or they might feel that Dell earned a contract based on his playoff performances.