Quote:
Originally Posted by Cleveland Steam Whistle
The message to the team thing on a trade is so not a factor this year for this club.
- The message has been sent to the club on how serious we are about winning with the Hamilton trade, the Frolik signing and the Gio extension.
- This is no longer a fragile young team fighting for it's first unexpected playoff birth where the experience and accomplishment of that alone has ridiculous value, that was done last year.
If this team is forced to move Hudler at the deadline, there is 0 chance this gets viewed as anything other than smart asset manangment by the players, it will send no negative message to the squad.
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Bogus claim. Utterly bogus. Players don't give a hoot about asset management in March. They don't care about 2019. The only compass they are guided by is 2016 and winning every time they hit the ice with a chance at everlasting glory. Lance Bouma isn't going to nod his head approvingly reading the headlines of 'Hudler for picks' while drinking a smoothie through a straw because he threw his face in front of a puck the night before.
And fragile? It would be fragile for a player to be disheartened by a message from management that this year is not the year, maybe in 2 or 3? When they go through what has been regarded as the hardest camp many people have seen? When they bruise, bleed, give every ounce possible. When we have guys who have experienced tremendous success in this league through sheer will and perseverance. When Gio is playing his first playoff games as captain, first playoff games in almost a decade. Sorry guys, you're not cup contenders. Maybe in a few years. Don't be fragile about it.
And yes, I am an excited fan. But it is not leading me to illogical conclusions. Frankly, I can't name a single playoff team that I wouldn't name a cup contender if they added Gio, Hamilton, and Frolik, let alone 2nd round teams. Not a favorite, nope, but if that is the criteria for trying to win, then you are too focused on asset management, and have taken your eyes off the prize.