The issue is not that we need to keep the defence the way it is to be competitive and go for it this year but to me, it is more how do we keep the defence competitive for the next 3 years.
Yes, I agree it would be nice to roll with 3 D pairings that are good BUT what happens next year when we lose a lot of the defence. Next year is the year the OHL hosts the cup to me that should be more of a focus. Trades should be with that in mind.
Letting Peric go to a team where he could be a regular top 2 or top 4 D if we can get a young player with promise for forward is a good deal just the same as if we can trade.
I am not saying sell for the sake of selling but to me, there is only one of last years players that should be untouchable and that is Bahl for now. Everyone else they should listen to ot offers.
There are loads of scenario’s out there. The most prevalent are:
1> The team is poised to compete again so throw everything at it to win now
2> Do a mini sell-off and sacrifice this year for next year. It would require the trading of non-returning assets this year which would include Kevin Bahl
3> Status quo. Shift some assets in an effort to maintain a competitive balance. The goal is to ensure the team is continually competitive and that alone will always give the team a chance to make a run if and when he pieces align in the best possible way
I see logic in all three options. I don’t necessarily agree with all three option but I see the logic. The question is, how do we make any of those three happen?
First, we need to know which of those three are the priority. We simply don’t know which is the priority. We all can have opinions on which is the priority but we simply don’t know. When we do know, if ever, how do they achieve the desired goal?
Personally, I think the team will attempt to maintain status quo through the first part of the season and feel the situation out. Once they have a good understanding of their strengths and weaknesses, they will shift to ether buy or sell mode. Again, I don’t think that is what I would do but it is what I think “they” will do.
ETA has stated there is likely a forward that demanded a trade. That trade was not completed prior tot he summer break deadline. Maybe that deal still happens, maybe it doesn’t but if it does, we have to remember that deal may not be part of any plan. It may just be something thrust upon them so we cannot or should not consider that as an indication. That said, the deal may be a factor that nudges them in one direction or the other.
I’ve made my opinion very clear on what I would do. I would enter the season with the intention of selling non0returning assets in an effort to shift to next year to potentially host a Memorial Cup. That puts Kevin Bahl on the block. If he represents Team Canada, you can be assured the return will be rather hefty. That means not trading anyone unless they simply walk out. It means maintaining a status quo and feeling out the waters on potential deals and pulling the trigger when the right deal presents itself.
I realize that is risky because it can be very difficult to shift assets forward and ensure success and it may cost us the potential of success this year and we’d be left with nothing. That is a risk for sure. But, with this management’s ability to make the best of trade situations so far, both as a seller and buyer, I think they have earned a little rope with which to work with.
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