Yeah, that worries over "Waddell's draft record" seem odd. The whole reason why Dundon reportedly wanted Francis gone, was that he wanted a more collaborative approach to decision making. Our scouting staff hasn't changed. Our Assistant GM's that were here under Francis are still here (for the time being). Tlusky is still here. etc... It may be completely unwarranted, but I'm a bit more worried (not much though) that the team will make a bad rash move to improve quickly which will backfire, like Chiarelli did. I don't think that will happen this year, but that's a bit more of a concern than drafting.
We lucked into the 2OA pick. Necas is looking like a home run pick. Aho and TT took huge strides in their development. AHL guys have shown big strides in their development and a couple of them look ready. Our defense, who was very young last year have another year under their belt. If we can fix the goaltending, this team could have a NJ Devils type season next year.
Maybe it's a case of fool me twice, shame on me, but I'm more optimistic for next year than I am pessimistic. Of course, that can change once the draft and free agency is over, but that's where I am now.
Aho-Lindholm-TT
McGinn-Staal-Williams
Skinner-Necas-Svechnikov
Martinook-Rask-Foegele
Zykov, Wallmark
For the first time since forever, I could see the Canes trading a forward, like Skinner, Rask, or Lindholm, and thinking that might be ok because we have some depth and skill.
