GloveSave,
The idea that this organization isn't as merit based as advertised is an interesting one to discuss.
Examples might include Jo Benn to keep Jamie happy, and Oleksiak merely because he is a first round pick. The contrarians might point out that Jordie did make strides last year, and is entitled to some rope, and that Nemeth came up first last year over JO, based on merit, and now JK is playing more time than anyone, based on merit. I will say JO has looked better since Gonchar went, although his playing time is now dropping and yesterday, I sensed he was a bit tentative again.
As to trades, I suspect Nil will do one if it becomes available, and that at the deadline, if we are mid-pack or below, he will still look to jettison Cole and Horcoff or picks, and throw Ritchie, etc. into the fire. Maybe Fiddler, but he makes too little to be worth trading, unless for a real return. He would be the typical value pickup for a contending team, but will also be helping us.
In other words, the plan to move forward with youth will be served, regardless of playoff results this year, in the name of being better the next few years. Just MHO.
What is interesting, is that our deadline "pickups" may now be Nuke, Nemeth and Peverly, which would be three pretty good additions to any PO bound club - a scoring winger, a depth D, and an all around character forward.
