I don't think losing this year is a bad deal in the long run. Add another top prospect to the pool. Hopefully a top 5 talent.
This allows them to sell guys like Hudler, Jones, Russell etc instead of trying to sign them to extensions.
Makes guys like Gaudreau/Bennett/Brodie/Monahan/Hamilton face adversity.
Most of all, it tampers the expectations of the whole franchise and the fans. This is year 4 of the re-build. Next year is when major improvements were to happen but there are still plenty of holes in the lineup.
|