The roster that McLellan started the year with is better than what Hitch has right now
And the roster he took to the playoffs was significantly better as well, particularly for offensive depth.
That said, Hitch’s guidance is sapping out what little offensive ability existing in any of the guys outside the top 3 so. Hitch isn’t the problem, but doesn’t appear to be the solution either.
This roster needs an enema in the right spots not where Chia goes. Here’s his strategy the last few years.
2015 top scorer Hall, traded
2016 top scorer not named McDavid or Draisaitl, traded (Eberle)
2017 top scorers not named McDavid or Draisaitl or RNH or Lucic, traded or let go (Maroon, Strome, Camalerri)
2018 mid-season forward trades include Strome and Caggiula. Strome was the 4th highest producer last year, and Caggiula is still 5th on the team for goals for, three up on the next closest forwards.
Chia truly believes the way to win in today’s NHL is to eek out 1-0 or 2-1 victories (despite having less than average goaltending).