They said the exact same things about Stuart and Thorburn.
The graduation of key prospects was far more impactful and relevant.
Kyle Connor took a role on the 1st line. This had a massive trickle down effect on the roster. Perreault wouldn't have been able to carry Hendricks up and down the ice without Connor.
Roslovic too. He stepped in and produced like a top 6 forward in a limited role.
Prospects played big minutes and greatly increased depth.
Also how necessary was Hendricks when you have Wheeler and Chef. Almost all the skill young players talk about the impact of Wheeler unprompted. You don't hear Connor, Ehlers, Laine bragging about Hendricks, they talk up Wheeler. Morrissey talks about the impact that Buff had on him.
Our skilled young players look up to and are influenced by the good skill guys on the team, not the Matt Hendrick's of the world.
Yeah the coach talks up Hendricks and the players say nice things about him when asked (What else are they going to say). I guess some depth players raved about him but I still don't see why you can't bring in players who can you know play the game at an above replacement level that are also good in the room.
