So here's something that may or may not be a good idea to kill time over the summer. If you had the authority to take over any NHL franchise, which would it be and what would you do?
Here are some questions off the top of my head:
- What would be the motive that guides your overall plan? Rebuilding? Playoffs? Cup? Make money?
- Would you relocate? Where? Why? How?
- What in-game systems would you want to put in place? Considering you're taking over a real franchise, you'll want to inventory your players to establish a core and then tailor your systems accordingly.
- Who's your current staff and are they capable of establishing those systems?
- How would you realistically fill in your current NHL depth chart, without adding anyone from outside the organization and without including players you're losing to UFA? If there are holes, where are they? (By "realistically", I mean don't slot in people like Bill Arnold into an NHL depth chart just because they fill a position.)
- Looking at filling potential holes, who would you make available and what is their realistic value? Keep in mind that there's "universal" value and "targeted" value. Monahan would have "universal" value, whereas Colborne would have "targeted" value.
- Following that, what is the value of your 2016 draft picks? Is there anyone that might be available that would fill a hole and be worth the inclusion of one of your picks in a trade?
- What is the value of some of the FA pieces out there that you see as potential fits?
- What's your opening day NHL depth chart and who is your staff for the team you've chosen? What systems are they going to play? How will your team serve the motive you established at the beginning when you took over?
This feels like it might be more work than I originally thought, but it could be a fun way to sort of roleplay a brand new billionaire team owner. Maybe during the week before the next season starts we can vote on who has the best plan? Anyone can pick any NHL team they want regardless of how many times they've already been picked. Think of it as a good way to demo your "here's what I would do..." skills.
The offseason BYOT thread: Buy your own team!
