I think you have to think 2013 was the better starting point for a couple of the reason you mentioned:
1. While Feaster botched the return on expiring assets (that could have been huge) as you mentioned, there were no boat anchors lying around holding us back once Tre and Burke came in. That is not the case right now, with the Huberdeau and Kadri gifts prime to haunt us. I actually think the Kadri situation has a chance to work out ok.
- To counter my own point, despite the two anchors, Conroy does have some more appealing assets to move before year end than Feaster did in 2013. Depending on return and how Conroy does, that could be a point in favour of today.
2. Gaudreau - he was found money. Essentially a bonus Top 5 pick ready in waiting in the org. Can't under estimate how key having him be like getting an impact extra top 5 pick was. Easy to say that in hindsight, and to the point just made, maybe one of our other youngsters already here will become that, but Gaudreau was a nice accelerator in 2013.
|