Hickey, deserving kid who wasn't going to crack the Kings lineup but deserving NHL talent.
Nino, traded a first round guy who he never felt would be the future because of other forward prospects. Getting Clutterbuck was a known quantity targeted for a role to complement the forwards.
Moulson, like Nino no intent to pay him as a top six because of talent in system.
Vanek trade, a lot of anxiety from fans because of potential lottery pick but essentially gave up a first rounder to have them take Moulson off our hands.
Nelson, de Haan, Ho Sang?, first round move up picks to become starters.
Strome, Reinhart, Pulock, dal Colle, how many teams will see four top round picks plus Nelson and de Haan become starters? Not mention JT for obvious reason. Reflect a solid scouting staff.
2012 Defense draft, reflect a solid scouting staff as well.
Halak, although no goalie draft picks are starters, Snow believes that goalies do not show their ability until they are around a few years.
Capuano, Isles don't hire known NHL coaches but few experts question his hockey knowledge. One may question his ability to handle the stress of coaching at this level but I think he is learning along with his players. JT has a lot of swagger because he has been a spotlight player since he was a young teen and adding Boychuk gives them a nice piece of playoff experience. Sometimes the players rub off on the coaches and Weight is a stable influence as well.
Farm system is nicely developed with a nice bevy of kids in College, Russo like Lee is a Notre Dame standout, plus Europe along with BRI and CHL.
Halak, Grabo, Kulemin, all signed to four year deals so they fit the salary structure. Johnson has two years so if he has starter potential can test market or may compete with Poulin for backup role in two years.