I think a good amount of this is that he's a bad communicator. Which is why it is such a mis-step to put him out there, not once but twice.
The concerning parts to me are:
- Confirmation that the team is worried about a Buffalo scenario. I understand this concern, and I think it is a valid risk of taking things down to the studs, but if the franchise is TOO worried about that, it will potentially lead to bad decision making.
- Related to this, but they seem to be hyper focused on culture. I am aligned to the fact that young players need good veterans to learn from. I would have said it that way. But it's hard to argue to retain a culture that has produced a team that is in last place. They should be asking themselves if they are too focused on that element.
- As discussed, I think probably the major worry is around Conroy. These interviews coupled with the lack of an extension for him.
- The talking down to the fans, is just a bad call and tone deaf. This includes the reference to "fantasy world". Bedard, Celebrini, etc being on the top of the scoring race is not fantasy, it's reality. Acknowledge it.
A small sign of hope
- We've heard the team wants to be competitive for when the building opens, and I think most of us challenge how realistic that goal is and how it could lead to bad decisions. However, what he says is "in an ideal world, we're hoping to have a little pop of momentum going into the new building" which suggests a more realistic goal or perhaps that the goal has been adjusted. Drafting a high end young player or 2 ahead of the building, can give you that pop of momentum.
I'm anxious to see
- What is in part 2 when it comes out later, though I doubt anything will be re-assuring
- What Friedman says tonight and when the pod drops Monday
- How the team responds tonight on the ice
- When do we hear from Conroy and what does he say.
Just a frustrating fumble by the team.
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