Quote:
Originally Posted by CliffFletcher
All of that stuff took place over a month. Rebuilds take years. I'm still not sold this franchise has the stomach or the long-term discipline for a rebuild. I really hope I'm wrong, but I expect a bunch of overpaid UFA signings, and maybe trading one of our first-rounders for an NHL ready prospect.
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I agree with you, particularly with respect to the bold.
However, there is some middle ground here.
As FDW said, there is nothing wrong with adding some free agents to ice a decent team, provide some leadership and guidance to the kids, etc. I would like to see some size brought in, for example.
That is different than throwing huge money and long term contracts at guys like Bozak, in an attempt to short-cut the rebuild, however. And I agree with you that impatient, insta-rebuild moves are not the way to go. Trading any of our first-rounders for players now would also be extremely discouraging.
My point is, that while a rebuild requires patience, there is also some need to bring in guys who can play now - there are some short-term needs that have to be addressed. The fact of the matter is that it will be years before we have rebuilt a competitive team through the draft and we have to ice a team this year and next, not just 3-5 years from now.
And I hope fans will understand that when the inevitable UFA signings come. (As long as it is short-term leadership and support, not longer-term make-the-playoffs type moves).