Quote:
Originally Posted by landshark
Hey, I know I'm a homer... but didn't Doug Wilson start with a non-playoff team (let's not get TOO far into details of WHY they missed last year :-), added a #1 goalie, a top4 DMAN so perfectly suited to play with Burns that Burns became in instant Norris candidate and steady, versatile Joel Ward in the off season. Plucked Donskio from obscurity and signed as a free agent (giving up no resources). Quietly added Zubris midseason to help solidify the bottom 6 and picked up a NECESSARY #6 DMAN in Polak, more depth with Spaling and a serious backup G in Reimer at the deadline.
Every move was just what the team needed and look where they are now. Am I wrong?
Jim Nill????
PS - let me add the decision to let Niemi walk - he could have been re-signed, but we got a good 4 year look at him - he wasn't going to take us to the promised land. This is a pretty brave move.
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Well, this is the unfortunate thing about this being voted for at the end of the regular season. Because it had to be given the candidates. 3 GMs whose sides finished 1st, 2nd and 4th in the league.
To be fair, for me the Sharks play off performances have altered the view on the job Wilson has done in my mind. Had the Sharks flopped out in round 1 to the Kings, then suddenly you've got a GM who gave up a 1st rounder for an average goaltender, gave up 2 2nd rounders for depth guys and then gave up a 4th rounder for a goaltender they arguably didn't need and all it resulted in was another 1st round loss. That happens and Thornton and Marleau are being discussed as being traded yet again, questions get asked of Wilson and the moves he made and how much he gave up in return for some pretty "meh" returns and a lot comes into question.
But the way in which the Sharks have found another level in the play offs has been impressive to watch and it has changed my perception of them. Now, those moves for Jones, Polak, Spaling, Reimer, the signing of Martin, Donskoi, Ward etc look very different than they did a month ago.