Reinhart vs Keller / Slafkovsky vs Tippet

[Darkwing Puck]

Barring any trades that shake things up, I think I have my keepers mostly settled, except for two decision.

1) Reinhart or Keller
This would be a much easier decision if Reinhart had signed that $10 million+ contract so many people were expecting. But even at Reinhart's more palatable salary, I'm still leaning Keller. Assuming that his shooting percentage comes down to something like his career norm, Reinhart probably still edges Keller in points, but they're so close in every cat (except blocks) that I don't know that I can justify the extra $1.5 million for Reinhart.

2) Slafkovsky or Tippett
This is the one I'm really stuck on. I gave up a lot to acquire Slaf last season, so I'd hate to not keep him. But at the same time, giving up Tippett based on Slaf's second half last season seems risky, especially with there being some talk about Laine bumping Slaf to the 2nd line. Same as Reinhart and Keller, Slaf and Tippett had very similar stats, except for shots, which is another reason why giving up Tippett doesn't fill me with glee. Players with 300 shot potential don't go on trees (though I do have Caufield and Jack Hughes among my keepers, who would help mitigate the loss). There's also a manager in the league who covets Tippett. Assuming Tippett's higher salary this season doesn't scare him off, trying to trade Tippett and then keeping Slaf seems like the best play.

[ross10019]

I like your reasoning on both countst.

Keep Slaf and trade Tippett, Slaf is only getting better and he ain’t losing that Suzuki/Caufield spot to Laine. You won’t regret it.

I love Keller but I think Reinhart is going to out produce him next few years especially goal-scoring. But the $1.5m is nothing to sneeze at. I’m more iffy about that one, to me it’s a 50/50 because the team around Keller is only getting better.

[Axeman33]

Im fine keeping Keller based on your reasoning.

As far as Tippett and Slavkovsky goes, I'd put both on the block and see who gets you the best return in offers. You have a baseline on what you paid for Slafkovsky so I would expect a similar return, unless you grossly overpaid and then that's on you and no one will be giving you that back.

[Swarley]

I’d keep Slaf over Tippet and because of the cap savings I’d keep Keller over Reinhart.

[Darkwing Puck]

I think Slaf over Tippett makes sense, but giving up Tippett isn't sitting well with me. The recent news about Demko has me wondering if I should swap Tippett in for Demko. Tippett costs almost 25% more, which isn't great, but I had about $4 million in unused cap space that I was saving as a buffer since Swayman and Seider are still unsigned, so I can afford it. I still have Saros and Swayman (if he ever signs), so my goalies are in good shape even with Demko.