Quote:
Originally Posted by Jiri Hrdina
I think most owners weigh in on the broader strategy. Meaning, I don't think a GM can trigger a re-build if the owner isn't on board.
And my understanding is that this franchise has been focused on winning now and that comes from the very top. Even when they re-built, my understanding is that they signed off on a very short re-build, not an extended one.
I can't offer proof. But I strongly believe that to be true.
|
This is quite possibly why Treliving's status is YTD at this point. If I were a GM I would be looking at this squad and advising ownership that 3 years is required to retool this team and next year might be a rough one. I wouldn't sign on unless given the latitude to move a few players and take back more perspective assets. I'd also want significant say over the coaching next year and beyond, and then a three year contract to see the vision to a point where it could be properly evaluated. I would imagine ownership is not ready for such an approach, and perhaps Treliving has an offer to continue on in his role, but it is more as an administrator than a decision maker. I wouldn't sign onto that.
As for this summer, I would honestly look at moving on from one of Lindholm or Backlund, and one of Tanev or Hanifin. The cost to resign all four of these players would be impractical after next season, and I would be looking at the potential, largely future based returns that would exist leading up to the draft this year. I would also make sure that it is made clear to Huberdeau and Kadri that they are a big part of fabric of this team and ensure that they are committed to lead as veterans and help to develop a team that likely competes in the middle of their contracts. Hopefully they understand that 7 or 8 years can be a long time if you don't plan for anything beyond next year. Additionally, a poster noted Sutter's commitment to man to man D coverage, and this is just too demanding and restrictive over an 82 game schedule. The team should be led by someone who believes in implementing a more collaborative system, be this Coach Sutter or someone else.
Finally, and hopefully this is already unofficially handled, I make sure that Coronato is signed, and welcomed into the fold. This may be required to happen on his terms, but he represents a portion of the future, and the fans and team need to see what he has to offer. He's almost certainly not a savior, but he could turn out to be a Toffoli type, with a bit more speed and handle. Could do a lot worse than that, and next year would be a good year to learn alongside a professional like Toffoli (can't believe I'm saying that given my previous thoughts on the acquisition, but I get it wrong a lot).
Moving out players like those mentioned would leave some holes, though at the same time create opportunities. The players discussed are good, but not clear 1D or 1C quality, so hopefully the summer would be a nice to move them to a team either looking for leadership into the playoffs (Buf/Det type) or a team that has identified that such players could put them over the top. It would be nice for those guys to go to good situations, but at the end of the day, you do what is best for the team.