Most notable statement that resonated with me was BT's statement on core leadership. BT said this young core was too young yet to show the leadership needed to win consistently. They needed more direction.
Reading between the lines: GG expected that from his players (rather than supplying it himself). His miscalculation cost them dearly and may explain the fragile psyche.
This is where Bill Peters should make a difference as he will provide that leadership. Bill did a stellar job with bottom 3 payroll in NHL (20 million below salary cap) in Carolina.
Also said expect more of a meritocracy with Bill Peters rather than hoping these will correct over time as we saw with GG. You dont perform you simply dont play.
Another comment from BT was sometimes when you are building a championship team you forget to make the playoffs. It is important to remain focused on the long game and not break from the plan. He applauded one fan who thanked him for his terrific work with the salary cap after the fan took aim on the Oilers for spending handsomely on only 3 players (26.5 million McD, Dri and Lucic I presume).
Definitely a free agent signing from Europe pending.
Significant changes to roster pending. Did not sound like small changes. Depth is the goal.
Gillies and Rittich really struggled with the mental pressure when Smith went down. They will both be better for that unnerving experience next year.
When talking about insuring each prospect spends time at each step on the ladder he lamented that Bennett skipped a step or two and is now struggling with consistency at NHL level these past two seasons. I think he regrets that Bennett did not have AHL time to get his confidence level up.
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