Again we say that but now thanks to Ottawa Lou has a stock answer when people criticize him for not giving up 'too soon'.
And the Devils in 2010-11 were just as impressive (for a time) but were worse off at the start of their streak than Ottawa. This team didnt improve FROM LAST SEASON so he had plenty of time to know this version wasnt up for it.
You say dump the vets, then you complain about Zidlicky?
Im complaining about the return for Zidlicky.
You have zero proof that he wasn't proactively shopping guys, and if you honestly believe anyone wanted Ryder I want what you are smoking.
He scores at better than .5pt/gm in the playoffs. Worth a risk since he is a UFA for a 5/6/7th rd pick.
Gomez couldnt score for his life the last few years and he comes here and produces.
"Proactive" wouldve been knowing Ryder wasnt in the plans so move him on before he becomes an albatross in the pressbox. Of course his value kept dropping the more he was sitting...but hey, weve traded for a guy that wanted out from his current team before so its not unprecedented...but he wasnt sitting in the pressbox at the time.