Alfie was forced out twice, best player in the history of the franchise being sold, Methot sold, Ceci glorified, boring style of hockey, lots has changed.
Methot wasn't really sold, we just didn't buy him back. Ceci being glorified (really? I haven't seen anyone really do that, but ok) is no different than any other countless number of divisive players that some fans like and others hate.
I really don't think the on ice decisions are the real culprit here. If you were to get into the alleged decision to make decisions based off of short turn financial gain over long term goals; for example, salary in = to salary out for Heatley and Spezza trades, trading a pick for retaining on Hemsky, trading picks to pay Brassard's bonus, trading a pick to get Colorado to take Hammond, then I'd maybe agree, but we've been doing that kind of stuff for a while now, so it hasn't so much changed, though you might be able to argue that the trend has gone on so long that people are finally fed up.
I'd argue it's less that something changed, and more that there is only so much abuse that can be taken, but I'd also say that a guy like Murray was instrumental in shifting the focus, and did a far better job of controlling the message.
The reality is there are a lot of factors leading to the attendance drops, lack of trust that the team is doing all it can to build a contender, and a very poor job by the team of managing expectations to align with the expected results (or I guess really overestimating expected results and setting fan expectations in line with unrealistic standards).
