IWantSakicAsMyGM
Registered User
In order for me to spin things, I'd probably need to have the narrative you keep accusing me of pushing. I have repeatedly said that I have no idea what is actually going to happen, and usually just play devil's advocate. There are literally hundreds of potential outcomes, and I think they are all worth discussing. If you feel that I'm dismissing your theory, that's never been my intention. I just think that that line of thinking, the most common opinion among HF posters, has been beaten to death, and there's nothing left to talk about that hasn't been discussed 15 times already. And, my previous attempts to raise questions about the "facts" behind that theory have been met with anger, insults and name calling. I don't remember seeing any defense from you that was anything more than repeating the same talking points, in among the insults/names/anger.
But, if you really want to discuss the facts, let me ask you a couple of questions.
Do you think that Brisson's heated conversation with Sakic before going to talk to Poille on the draft floor might possibly have been about Bernier, a Brisson client who signed with the Avs on July 1, and possibly drew some interest from Nashville as well, if they wanted a more proven backup? Now, to be clear, I'm not saying that's the case, I'm just asking if you can dismiss it for a valid reason. It's something that raises doubts for me about that particular incident.
Do you think that Duchene's comments about feeling separate from the team, and not identifying with any team until training camp, could be an indication that he had mentally and emotionally prepared to be traded (like a professional should), and not necessarily an indication that he wants to be traded? Do you think it's at all possible that the reporter who asked him the question he answered in that manner, might have asked some leading questions which resulted in Duchene using the word "divorced" in his answer? Again, this is something that raises doubts for me. We have an answer taken out of context, I'd like the context to help discern the true meaning.
Do you think there might be a valid reason why Duchene missed the captain's skate and the golf tournament? I can think of a few possible reasons why a newlywed might miss a few optional work events before a long hockey season. Do you have some evidence to show that he skipped the events because he wants to be traded, and not some personal reason?
Do you think there is any good reason why Landeskog or EJ or whoever should share information about Duchene with the media? I can't come up with any reason they would give the media information about Duchene, or really anything meaningful, so I have doubts that their non-answers are anything other than the hockey player equivalent of "no comment".
Do you think that it is imperative for the GM of an NHL team to refute every piece of speculation that floats across the hockey universe? I think that the media is going to talk, regardless of what Sakic says, and it's actually in the Avs best interests to keep their plans to themselves. As people like to point out, if everyone knows what you're going to do, it hurts your leverage. So, why even bother telling the media anything, other than "we're trying to improve the team" (again "no comment")? It really seems like a difficult situation to me, but you seem convinced that Sakic could/should have stopped the rumors, so I'm hoping you can explain how, and to what benefit.
As a follow up, do you think that it's possible that Sakic and Duchene talked at some point in the last 18 months, and had a conversation about the future of the team, and where Duchene fits in, assuming the Avs don't find a deal they can't refuse? Again, I'm not saying that happened, but they do spend a lot of time in the same buildings, so I can't fully dismiss the possibility. Would them having a private conversation negate the issue of Sakic not publicly refuting the trade rumors?
These are just a few of the things that make me doubt the "obvious" explanation of a complicated situation, on top of my general distrust of the "obvious" answer. If obvious is usually correct, Kellogg's Corn Flakes would have a completely different origin story (seriously, it's so far from the obvious answer that you'd think I was lying if I told you).
Now, to address a few of your comments. First, the comment that you seem stuck on wasn't meant in the way you're taking it. What I meant was, the Avs should be exploring every option that they can, regardless of how unlikely it is, and not settling for a consolation prize right now. I'm well aware that there are risks to this. But, nothing ventured, nothing gained, right? I'm pretty sure that it won't get to the point where he's allowed to walk as a UFA, which is the worst case scenario. And, unless he has a career ending injury (also unlikely, I think), he should still return a decent package of futures at the 2019 TDL, if he's not traded before then, so there's a safety net. Yes, his value will likely drop, but the Avs will also have gotten some value from having him on the team for the interim, even if it's just to give Jost a little more time to develop his game.
And, you're right, the events themselves, the observable and provable things that have happened and are on video or in print, are facts. The meaning behind them is what I still want to know. Not think, or speculate, or believe, actually know. Until then, I'll continue to believe that I don't have enough information to call any explanation the truth, and will continue to look for more evidence to prove one over the others. That's really the only real opinion that I've voiced here. Everything else is just trying to get to the truth.
