All you did was ask what I'd do as though I'm a GM. I'm not. Not gonna go over every move possible.
Maybe keep Carter on wing or trade one of the two for pieces that are ready now. Or even both for pieces that are ready now (rather then Couturier, Schenn, and Cousins). Maybe for an offensive d we currently desperately need or winger depth. As for goal they could have kept Bob if they were going full rebuild or maybe sign Bryz like they did and keep a great tandem. Or just Bryz and sign an actual backup rather then an old journeyman and an AHLer in Leighton. There were plenty of options besides going half in half out.
And you think those moves would have put the team in a better situation? I am not saying those aren't good alternatives, I just don't think the team would be in any better position from those moves. Probably not any worse either. Maybe a better farm system, but less of a stable of under 25 year old NHLers. Six of one, half dozen of the other.
If his plans changed so dramatically I'm guessing they weren't very good or well thought out plans to begin with.
Edit: I see you've since added more. You're stealing my signature "edit posts 15 times" move
But yeah, in response to that, if he did sign them to those deals with the intention of trading them immediately...that's an incredibly stupid move. He relies heavily on FA to fills holes. Portraying the organization as anything other than a loyal and fantastic destination for free agents is a roundabout way of shooting himself in the foot.
I don't think it says anything about the quality of his future plans just because he changes them. Things change. Who knows what really went on behind clsoed doors, but all the rumor and speculation seems to indicate that SOMETHING was causing problems with the team. Maybe their attitudes/work ethic changed when they got those contracts and that caused problems. Who knows what changed, if anything. But simply changing plans, no matter how drastic, is not an indictment of their original plans. And even if it is, isn't it better to say "Oh ****, we gotta fix this before we get screwed!" than, "Oh ****, we're screwed!"
If he manages a multi million dollar organization like that and changes plans that quickly then he may have a mental disorder.
Yeah maybe? Or maybe circumstances change?
yep trading away 1st and 3rd and 2nd and 4th rounders on rentals is brilliant strategy. brilliant. I do wonder sometimes if Holmgren thinks some of these trades out before making a knee jerk or panic trade.
So your solution is what? Never take a risk on anything ever? Only trade 5th rounders and later? That is a much better plan. I'd rather have those draft picks that maybe one day in the future will play an NHL game instead of adding a veteran to a team that is close to a Cup. **** maybe they should trade Giroux at the deadline this year...he could a couple first rounders!