I wrote about this before... like who cares what I have to say. But given the original Subject on Mac leaving rumors... I hope he does. It is a damn shame to see him deeply conflicted, given his talent. There is a plethora of analysis around the Avs. Am shocked the Avs organization has not reached down and pulled people like, ok.. I will put me on the block first.. but anyone with ample opinions on this board, to come in and assist their organization. So my $0.00001 is, and have harped on this often.. leadership. Lack thereof. I hope Mac gets a chance to get out and align with an organization that has leadership in its stables.
Like, I just watched Chicago play Vancouver to an OT, only to lose in OT. A few mins later, listened to Toews speak to the loss, where they are, crawling and scratching to get to a remote opportunity of a playoff posture. I hear NONE of this speak from the Avs.. the way Toews presented himself. The Avs have a lot of problems. Will let the experts here continue their analysis on all of the problems. But in my not at all humble opinion... the lack of leadership is at the top. If not THE top. I hoped to hell the Hawks would have won this eve, gained some points, and shortly overtake the Avs and scratch their way (the Hawks) to a playoff position. Not because I am a Hawks fan (too, which I am.. I am a hockey fan first), but when you look at what the Hawks have done in the last few years, and look to Toews, Kane, Crawford, Keith, Saad... I mean... watching them play, they had a bad start but are crawling to get better. I love the way they are playing. Like this eve. I do not love the way the Avs are playing. And I put my finger on among other things... the lack of leadership. Listening to Toews in his post game interview, coupled with his history... I would follow the bloke up a goddamned hill any time. Listening to the speak of the so called leaders from the Avs after there continued losses... I would hardly follow them to Starbucks for a cup.
Leadership. Vacuous in the Avs. So not lacking in for instance, the Hawks. Which is why.... I hope Mac has a chance to bail and get with an organization that has a culture of leadership, so he can not only advance his beautiful skills, but also inculcate himself with the infection that is called... leadership. Personally, I hope he get to the Pens while Sid is active.. so Mac can be infected with leadership and the ideal of winning can, well, infect him.
And to be ultra clear on this, this Avs do not have inbred leadership. They do not have a culture of leadership brought to them by prior players and management (Sac included). I anyone thinks that the Avs will grow leadership out of the current weeds, I have a few bridges for sale around Brooklyn if you are interested. The Avs do NOT have leadership in their current bloodline. It is a huge problem. IMNSHO, it is at the top of the problems they have. Why do you think Roy left? Another story.
Leadership. Hows'a'bout the saged experts here address that? it is IMNSHO A penultimate problem with the Avs. Or stick to the X's and O's if that floats boats.
Flames on... I deserve it. But am sticking to my opinion.
PS, and if I was not clear enough.. I would follow Toews up a damn mountain if he pointed and said "let's go". Who would you follow up a whatever on the Avs if they pointed and said "let's go"? Mac needs to be infected by the culture of leadership to realize what he could really be. Which is why I hope the subject line comes true. I have heard much reflection by the Pens opinion makers who have expressed how much Sid the Kid has presented top shelf leadership, as they crawl their way up from a bad start.