Quote:
Originally Posted by ComixZone
The time is now. This league is about parity across the board, and you have to build a winning culture before you get to work on sustaining one. That’s why this team needs to address it’s two final deficiencies as far as I’m concerned. Those two deficiencies, in my eyes, are:
1) Below average coaching staff
2) Lack of a proven scoring winger
Neither of those issues are going to be addressed by being patient at this stage. Neither will be addressed from within the organization, so it’s time for Treliving to act and push the team forward. He went all-in this past summer, while not resolving the two points I mentioned - so go out and do it now.
1) Fire the coaching staff tomorrow morning, and hire Darryl Sutter. To those people citing shelf-life or “he may not be an upgrade”, fact is he has won two Stanley Cups in the modern NHL which puts him in rare company. He’s a measurable upgrade on Gulutzan, but any coaching change poses risks - so you just have to do your best - and a Darryl Sutter hire would be giving the team the best the market has to offer.
2) Make a Mike Richards/Jeff Carter trade in the same way LA did. It’s time to address the one gaping hole on the active roster, which yes - it may push Brouwer into the press box, but so be it. Action is required here, and the market does hold a few real options, and no it won’t be cheap. Evander Kane and Wayne Simmonds are both rumoured to be available - do it.
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I agree with you on Sutter I think he could get a lot out of this team which really has a 2-3 year window before they likely need to shed a player or two. What we see in LA now is a team that needed a fresh start and the Flames felt the same when they let Hartley go. It wasn't easy but with some huge streaks the Flames made an appearance in the playoffs and were supposed to take a big step forward after landing a legit number 1 goalie and top 4 D in his prime. The fact the team is still spinning their tires at Christmas and on the outside leaves me zero confidence in the coach.
Well the Richards and Carter deals for LA were moving picks, prospects and young players form2 in prime forwards signed long term. An Evander Kane rental doesn't really compare. Simmonds also doesn't really compare as he also is due a raise sooner than later. I look at Buffalo and think there could be something there with RoR. I also think that if the Flames are looking at RoR it would be Hamilton which would be the target for Buffalo (what I read on HF from Buffalo fans is a right shot offensive D is their biggest need) If that is the case the Sabres are eating a significant portion of that salary or adding to the deal.