NOA
Registered User
- Apr 17, 2015
- 3,155
- 1,503
I agree from a franchise standpoint that the 3rd line has to be broken up for progression, but my take is Brown and Hartsburg, or at least Hartsburg, wants "yes men" and the talent of said players is secondary to cohesiveness. That is why I would see them packaging something up to get a higher end forward or defenseman. It could also translate into more picks, but at some point we have to go all in on a run. Stockpiling picks won't accomplish that. Assuming a shortenend season, Hartsburg has 1.5 years to get his crap together or we are probably looking at a coaching change (I hope it doesn't take that long). That is the reason I could see them trying to acquire more top end talent. There is no big picture in our current path unless the next 1.5 years are at the very least top half finishes.
I don't think that mentality flies at this level, the cohesiveness before talent, but on paper at least it appears to be the direction of the organization until it falls flat.
Couple of things
1) Brown is super big on talent, skill, speed. Erie will never turn into a North Bay with Brown around. If Hartsburg is not for talent and wants to play that style, he would have never been hired to start. Your GM and coach MUST mesh together on a goal for how to build a team or you can’t win imo. Brown wants speed/skill first and everything else secondary to that. He’s been super vocal on this. Fowler (as an example) has speed/skill. If he doesn’t work on his defense/work ethic to become a “yes man” (for example) than fine, you move him out of town. But it starts with speed/skill. Yes, I agree they want good character in the room but that’s difficult to gauge until you get a guy signed and in your program for 2+ years. It’s a “case by case” basis. Dane Fox had personal issues throughout his time in London but worked out well for Erie. Brown is certainly flexible to different personalities or allowing guys a chance to grow.. but eventually it just isn’t a systematic fit with some guys. Talent is step one though and that’s the main thing missing - high end talent. Fowler or Swankler are getting most of the shade for not fitting in or “meshing” with the team but nobody would care as much if they potted 30g and 75pts. Their production doesn’t warrant those issues
2) you mentioned “at some point” Erie has to go on a run. I agree with that sentiment. The last 3 years have been bad for fan support. They need to win. But they also have zero picks to work with. This is where adding Kolosov and Marat becomes significant. Imo they don’t need to “go all in” in the next 2 years but they do need to be way more competitive. For me, that means being a 3/4 seed this year and at least getting deep in round 2 of the playoffs (if there is even a season).
3) I actually think Erie could afford to “stockpile” picks. Only problem is, in order to do that, they sacrifice the success of this year. I will say this though.. if it’s a shortened season, I would look to sell a bit. Maybe that means someone like Yetman or maybe even considering the move of Drysdale. I certainly would leave everything on the table if I’m Brown.