If Monahan was hurt to the point where he was completely ineffective, then that is on management and coaching for playing him.
If it's another issue, that's on him.
As for trading their top players, absolutely you can explore that - but you only move them if you think it makes your team better, not just for the sake of moving them or for "the room."
Maybe instead of trying to completely remake the team, bring in some effective leaders. Obviously they tried that with Neal and with Brouwer and it failed spectacularly, but there are other players out there.
IIRC when Carolina won the Cup, they brought in Doug Weight and Mark Recchi who were no longer stars but good solid veterans who could still contribute.
You could argue Neal was acquired for that, but he was obviously signed to be a bigger piece.
Don't overreact to the Avs. Examine everyone and see what works and what doesn't. Don't start stripping Cs and what not, but maybe you need to bring in another proven leader who can kick guys in the butt.
Maybe Monahan isn't your best option for number one center. But unless you can get a batter one, you're kind of stuck. Maybe Gaudreau doesn't have what it takes to grind through the playoffs. Find him a linemate who does.
It's not easy but it's possible.
|