Quote:
Originally Posted by Jiri Hrdina
This season could be a true fork in the road. We've argued this is an organization that needs to be dragged into a re-build, and dear god that could be happening. A bad start coupled with the player contracts in place, that really will make it hard to do anything to improve the team, could be just want is needed.
Just have a disaster of the season, and get a high 1st, high 2nd and clarity to deal off as many of the UFAs as you can. If the season is as bad as this, Hanifin and Lindholm wont' re-sign no matter what the number. Good.
Then add guys like Tanev, Zadorov to the pending UFA trade table and you've got a massive opportunity.
I don't think I've been someone to ever actually cheer for losses, but I found myself feeling happy about the loss. I don't like it, but that's where we are.
Keep it going.
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I don't really believe the bolded but I agree with the sentiment. It is a consolation.
What makes it hard to really embrace a rebuild for me just yet:
The Kadri and Huberdeau anchors. At least Kadri is two years shorter, and so he could be dealt with retention or bought out in say four years. Both my kids will be out of college by then so maybe I will have more time for hockey.
The first round pick we will eventually lose in the Monahan trade. It's just infuriating to be at the bottom of the standings knowing you gave up draft capital to get there.
The fact that there seems to be a culture issue with the team. Which is fine for accumulating losses and draft position but actually has to be fixed at some point.
The gnawing fear that we won't really commit to building through the draft after the first sign of success.