100% absolutely. If the "grand plan" doesn't count on them, it's pointless to keep the Amerks stocked. The pipeline we have now is OK I guess, but Murray had the chance to draft 3 first round guys in a loaded draft, and he went in another direction. At the time I thought it was stupid, and it looks even dumber by the day.
I never said Botts was a genius, but if you think our pipeline wasn't emptied, then I don't know what to tell you. We had 3 firsts, Zadorov, Compher, Lemieux, Pysyk, etc, all traded away. We could have just been patient, and let these guys find their way to Buffalo. Ultimately, I think this is what Bott's plan is. I'm not saying he's done an awesome job, but I prefer to build my team this way, then Murray's way.
First I appreciate the effort, and I agree I don’t think you claim Botts is a genius nor do I think murray was by a long shot.
As it relates to the draft picks used back 4 years ago, I agree with you. I thought and continue to think that trading for O’Reilly was a great move. However, I hated the Myers and Lehner trades, Lehner just for the idea that a first for a goalie is stupid. Back then I would have been quite happy to get O’Reilly and no other big trades, and ride out one more bottom 5.
But now is not then. Now you are burning thru the prime of Eichel’s career. If the main plan is to honestly wait for the possibility that these draft picks will be good in a few years, we’ll I guess we just disagree on our tolerance level for watching Eichel waste his time. To me they need to get some immediate help this offseason, even if it might cost a pick.
But those trades didn’t empty the pipeline. They just shimmied it forward. It was just the wrong players, particularly bogo and Kane. Look at the names you listed and think about if you had just stayed put.
Zadorov, struggling in Colorado, maybe he is a top 4 guy with us, maybe he is still an inconsistent piece, certainly not more useful today and up to this point than bogo this year or Scandella last year.
Compher.... so what
Lemieux, so what
Pysyk, eh I wish we kept him. But a lot of that is based on kulikov getting hurt. And don’t forget Murray also got Asplund in that deal, one of the best pieces we have in Rochester.
To me, the only serious pieces of the future that Murray traded was Zadorov and the first for Lehner. Everyone else was perceived busts or minor pieces that everyone has and get replaced every year.
I guess the best follow up to all that, is how far away from the playoffs do you think they are?
Me, I think they are a good coach and a legit top 6 player away from being in this year.
Why should I play the lotto on a draft pick if I can get a guaranteed nhler to help now? The “pipeline” will undoubtedly be stocked and depleted several times while Eichel is here.
But hey I could be wrong, maybe missing the playoffs for a few more years is the way to go.