Most days I'd agree with you but in an offseason where Hoffman, Karlsson and Paccioretty were all traded you cannot say players weren't available. I think it's pretty fair to complain when three names like that changed teams and we got Komarov, Fillipula and Martin and have Tanner Fritz in the opening day lineup. I'm not complaining because I'm actually one of those who knows the tank is on and embracing it. I just wish Lam and Trotz didn't keep trying to force feed us this nonsense they are trying to be competitive. Every team's GM/coach say those things one time in the beginning of the season, but then they know to shut up about it because it's just false hope. Don't know why Lou and Trotz are still positive. Half this roster better be gone by the trade deadline with lots of picks to work with in the next draft.
Have you ever thought Hoffman didn't want to sign with us? Karlsson wouldn't agree to an extension, so what's the use in that...we could have gotten Patches, but what for? If JT wasn't staying, it wasn't worth it.
We had a need to tighten defence because third line last year was non-existent and the rest was just a plain bad system. Komarov was the best out of the bunch and he wanted term..should we have done nothing and have players that weren't taught well. This is a teaching system, not a "learn on the job" kind.
I honestly don't think we will tank this year and people will be surprised at the outcome. Previously, we gave up, we didn't know what hard work was or how to win. All these guys acquired keep their feet moving and are hard workers and Trotz leads by example. I think Trotz rewards hard work and that's why Fritz is up. I am sure if things aren't going as planned, you will see some moves. We just have to see 10-20 games before he can make that assumption that things need to be changed up.
Not only have we have been improving defence, we now have depth. We can call up players and not worry about their lack of experience. Our depth can hold their own and can easily be a temp stop-gap until inuries are over instead of the season going south when 1 or 2 injuries happen.. for example..last year when cool lemon and dehaan went down.