I think the answers continue to be in leveraging their strengths and aggressively attempting to manufacture solutions via stronger development. They've tried this same basic approach with a superior roster and it has failed. They're not likely to get the sort of development they need just by fixating on outcomes for five months and reassessing the rest only as that dictates. They need to take a step back...only Trotz seems largely unable to do so whether it's due to his own limited skill set as a coach, him coaching for his job or his belief that they must get off to a good start by any means necessary (or some combination of all three). There remains plenty within their control that they seem to gloss over and it's easily the most frustrating aspect of all. Great franchises have that self-awareness at every level and are unsparing.
It always come back to the process...the process of evaluating and improving. It requires a hunger to improve and can't coexist in a complacent environment. Their skill development stands out as relatively weak--even if their system itself is thin in raw ability--and that's only going to stick out more if their supposed developmental strength in team defense isn't on point due to stubborn beliefs that don't actually matter. The easiest way for them to remain a tough out is to develop Djoos and Bowey and still basically do what they do otherwise. That alone may be enough but it's overcoming those stubborn beliefs that Trotz has re: youth that could sink him. If that happens then, as good of a coach as he may be in some areas, it would be a blessing in disguise because the league that he may believe in isn't what the league is today or where it's headed.
If I’m summarizing correctly you’re suggesting a coach fighting for his next contract, is supposed to start a roster full of youngsters, results be damned early on in the season? This team lost a lot of talent. They experienced another huge disappointment. If I’m coaching, contract extension or not, I want these guys shaken from their doldrums playing well early on. I’m not force infusing youth just because that could payoff down the road. I’m trying to get them off to a strong start, not a bad one that could gain momentum and risk playoff qualification. Bowey would likely be here if not for cap hell.
Lemme ask you this, let’s assume Leonsis, GMBM, Trotz all sat down and Leonsis laid out organizational goals at the highest level. Where do you think “qualify for playoffs” ranked on that list in terms of just TEAM on ice goals?
If it ranked 2nd to the omnipresent “Stanley Cup” (which is what I would expect), would you disagree? And even if you disagree, and the owner presents this to his hockey guys, you know they have their marching orders.
I see you type up a lot of long and sometimes eloquent responses about organizational strategy and direction without a lot of details.
What exactly are the “plenty of things they gloss over” that they could do differently that wins them a Cup, or I’d even takes gets them closer to a Cup?
What are the things you’re referring to with “great franchises have this level of self-awareness”? Examples?
Does firing a coach and catching fire signify enhanced self-awareness or a desperate move made by a team with no other option?
Does getting lucky in the draft at the right time, MULTIPLE times indicate enhanced self-Awareness or greatness?