Horse ****. How do you explain such a move to your fan base, leaders (Price, Weber, Pacioretty, Gallagher, Galchenyuk) when you’re leading your division?
« Oh sorry boys but we decided to move Radulov because we’re not confident you guys can pull it off. However, trust me, that first round pick will pay off in 4-5 years »
How about the fans? Bergevin would have been publicly crucified if he traded Radulov at the TDL. It’s easier to say when it’s all said and done but Bergevin did the right move there.
Dallas led the league halfway through one season before. They finished out of the playoffs or 8th seed, I can't remember. He can say that the core is older, unproven, and in the uncertainty of the season, not built for the long haul. The Habs have control over the media, so there is no to be worried about accountability to them.
If fans in Montreal are that dumb and shortsighted, then they deserve to suffer. Just like fans anywhere else. Eras end and the cornerstones fade away. The Seahawks were renowned for the Legion of Boom, right? Well that defense is literally history with Earl Thomas's broken leg; no one from that defense in on the Seahawks anymore.
Chicago and L.A were contenders, right? Well, they're not contending for anything serious now, their mainstays are older and showing signs of decline.
Like most years, it will be quickly forgotten. The only things memorable in sports are especially good or especially bad seasons.
