I think the problem is the constant changing of directions over the last 5-10 years. We have some nice pieces...but all the pieces belong to different puzzles, so to speak. The team is such a mish-mash of different styles, strengths and weaknesses...they really don't gel very well when trying to play any specific style. It's like hooking up a pinto, a clydesdale, a quarter horse and a hackney together and having them try and pull a wagon...it just doesn't work.
They need to sit down, and decide what type of team they want to build. Then, move anyone who doesn't fit that vision. Then get both Belleville and Ottawa working together to implement that vision, and draft kids who fit. It'll take several years, but it would be worth it....as long as they stick with the damned plan for once, and actually pay the kids once they deserve the big contracts.
Agreed.
This is the most infuriating part. Either they are stupid or they think we are stupid...likely both.
Showing what the roster might look like in two weeks is not a plan, it's the opening night game sheet.
(Sorry Nac Mac Feegle, i'm stealing your concept) A plan is starting with the stanley cup and moving backwards:
- In 5 years we believe the state of the game is going to be X
- Therefore we need players with attributes X, and coaching that believes in X
- Does our coaching, scouting, development staff believe in X
- What is the player core that we need for strategy X (5-7 core players)
- Can we afford the player budget that the cup window roster will cost? Or is the plan contingent on ELC, contracts with high cap hit/low actual salary, etc - how will this impact the size of the cup window we might have and how does this impact long-term contract planning for the current roster.
- Of our current roster, who will be able to fill what role over the next 3-5 years that fits with our strategy of X
- What major pieces are missing from the strategy X core that need to be filled through draft/trade
- Do we have the trade pieces to get the remaining core through trade or do we need to wait on the draft, are they all signed long-term and happy with strategy X
- With core established, who will fill the other roles and what redundancy do we have (pipeline, backup goalies, draft picks, etc)
* Okay, now we have a detailed plan to get from year one to the cup, and it is all aligned to X. Let's announce X to the fans and have all the key stakeholders, (owner, GM, Coach, Captain) involved to show they are all committed to X. By doing this and following it up with actions that are aligned to strategy X, we will establish enough trust/faith with the fanbase that they are less focused with the opening night roster and more focused on hope for the future. Here is the draft statement:
"We are going to be built for the future playoffs. We don't have the largest budget therefore we need to run with a younger team that is still affordable. We will make up for the lack of experience/puck possession by building a young (healthy) and fast team, with strong "playoff ready" defensive structure, relying on counter-strike opportunities and special teams to score. The system will require solid two way centres, fast scoring wingers, big puck-winning defence with strong outlet passing, and above-average goal tending to stop above average volume of shots."
"As you can see from our draft record, we have focused on prospects with speed, scoring touch, and defensive awareness, who thrive in structure and are happy to play in a small-Canadian market. Our coach in Belleville is aligned with this philosophy and coach Boucher is developing systems to bring our strategy to life."
"Under this philosophy we will once again bend but not break, be the resilient underdogs...be pesky."
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This is where I thought the team was at when PD took over and hired Boucher. Identify a style of play, identify a core, build-up within the budget.
Today we don't know if Boucher style of play is still the strategy, we might not have a core, and we might be trying to build up or tear it down.
But at least we have the opening night game sheet....maybe
EDIT:
PD did offer this in the latest meet n greet. “We will rebuild by trading for younger, faster, stronger players who commit to our team-first philosophy, play with discipline and earn the freedom to take risks that help the team,”
Still not good enough because it really doesn't allude to the style of play much. Any GM in the league could make this statement.
