Well, been following the team since Hemsky got drafted. Was a little kid who modelled my game after the guy.
Tonight was the final straw. Gone through the decade of darkness, Smyth being traded, playoff run in 06. This is the worst. We have arguably the most skilled hockey player of all time and just got blown out of the water by the last place team in the league. Chiarelli has run this team into the ground and even when 100% healthy, this team is nowhere close to being a contender. With no good wing or defensive prospects in the system, it's looking like another rebuild/retool of 4+ years will be required WITH A COMPETENT GM AT THE HELM.
I think it's time for me to look for another team to follow. Have been watching other games lately, and I know a good amount of the posters here have been considering the same. Truth be told, I had hardly been watching Oilers games the couple years pre-McDavid when it was the Hall, RNH, and Eberle show finishing at the bottom of the league with no point of watching games. Now I only watch for McDavid's brilliance which is becoming less and less worth watching when you know the surrounding team is so embarrassingly bad.
So, I have a few teams in mind personally.
Montreal has a massive, intense fan base. Constant discussion on their team and players, beautiful history, and are currently playing a very fun style of hockey full of speed, skill, and grit. They are right in the playoff race as well and should be for a long time. Not to mention they are EST so having earlier games to watch is another huge plus.
Winnipeg is one of the best teams in the NHL for my money. Such a solid roster of big, strong, skilled players. Have arguably the best pure goal scorer in the NHL, deep defence, hard-nosed team who will be a perennial cup contender for a while.
Boston, another original six team. Full of history, with a great roster right now. Chia actually built a decent team there and they've been helped along with Sweeney. Such a fun team to watch and their numerous rivalries make games more exciting. Another positive is the EST timezone, just like Montreal.
Any of you guys in the process of starting to consider checking out another team? Or is this just something we have to go through as part of a life long sacrificial ritual-esque suffering? I'm leaning towards Montreal honestly.