First off, there is no “next” Jonathan Marchessault or Nate Schmidt. The two Vegas Golden Knights players have become linchpins for the team’s success. Not to mention the case studies in teams undervaluing their own players. A more self-reflective hockey man will wonder what 40-goal scorer could be hiding on their AHL grassy knoll. A less-reflective one won’t care about 40 goals hiding inside a grassy knoll. Somewhere between the two is the smart GM focusing on the nuances.
Jim Nill is an intelligent GM. Self-awareness in this business goes a long way, and he’s shown it.