Quote:
Originally Posted by MarkGio
Perhaps. But Atlanta/Winnipeg have literally built their franchise around Chicagos cap victims. I think Chicago had "building" blocks they needed to legitimately analyze as to whether or not they should build around or trade for other forms of building blocks.
Here's another way to look at it. Imagine a franchise with the following players:
Byfuglien, Ladd, Niemi, Sharp, Saad, Frolik, Bolland, Versteeg, Oduya, Leddy, Stalberg, Kopecky and Campbell. I think a franchise with all those players could be a playoff team.
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And where is the team now? Still wallowing in mediocrity despite having better pieces on top of many of the included above. A team consisting of all those complimentary players would not be a playoff team, much less better than Winnipeg is right now. Missing a top pairing, top line centre and another top 6 forward.
Chicago has continued to insulate the core with great drafts and UFA signings, being able to keep up the overall team quality despite the natural revolving door of supporting cast members. Much different than changing out core building blocks.