Okay, a simple question because I do not understand the logic of your arguments.
If you go for it this year you are going to lose at least your number 1 draft pick player and probably a couple of others to get the players that we would need.
You would basically be playing a 4 man defence with players that will not be here next year.
If we stay pat and see what we have and trade a Peric and or Wilson we open up ice time for Belanger and Matier or others to develop.
The other issue that you guys seem to miss is that if you trade away your rookies and your draft picks it leaves you with a shell for next year.
I do not see and to be honest even when I was with the team never saw the logic of throwing the future away on a maybe.
My logic tells me that you go with what you have and you play them. If down the line a player becomes available that adds to the chemistry then you get them.
Personally I like the idea that every year we can talk about how great this team is.
I lived in Kingston and can tell you the go for it attitude is not a great thing and will cost fans and players.
SO PLEASE EXPLAIN TO ME WHAT THE BIG DEAL OF GOING FOR THE MEMORIAL CUP EVERY YEAR IS.
i HAVE NOT AND NEVER HAVE UNDERSTOOD THE BLOW UP THE TEAM ATTITUDE.
Ottawa Senators tried that how are they doing so far?
From a business standpoint going for it does nothing for hte team this year as the games are in a different city.
The Sens are struggling to keep their fan base.
The M Cup is in Ontario next year.
This is a team that next year will still have Rossi and a lot of young guns that will have the experience we will still have Andree and Cranley and we will have a good young big defence that we can add players to.
Therefore to me, the logic is that this team provide a highly competitive product this year put together with the city a kick-ass presentation and win the bid.
These are all reasons that Rossi would want to stay in Ottawa and not go to Euro.
It is also the reason that we would be able to get a Rossi calibre player to replace Okytuk in the draft.
It comes down to philosophy. If you ever want to wina championship, you have to be willing to spend.
Yes, it is great having an entertaining year. It sucks to lose in the 2nd and 3rd round year after year to teams that mortgaged some of their future to pummel you in the playoffs.
You like to go back to Kilrea teams so let's do a little revisionist histoy.
From 1996 to 2005, the 67s were the team you describe wanting. A solid team that had elite players with relatively little movement.
1996 - lost rnd 2 to Belleville (ahead in reg season standings)
1997 - lost finals to Oshawa
1998 - lost finals to Guelph
1999 - lost 2nd round to Belleville (CHL top ranked team at seasons end) won a hosted Memorial Cup
2000 - lost 2nd round to Belleville (ahead in reg season standings)
2001 - won Championship
2002 - lost rnd 2 to St Mikes (behind slightly in standings)
2003 - lost finals to Kitchener
2004 - lost rnd 1 to Brampton
2005 - lost finals to London
That is a 10 season sample where we were at or very near the top of the standings in 9 of those 10 seasons. 2004, we were above .500 but not a contender by any stretch.
It was great to pump chest in regular season but it was tiresome losing 4 times in the finals with only one win.
So, again, it all comes down to personal preference or philosophy. Either you are satisfied being the bridesmaid or you are not.