Yes, ownership made a big mistake, but they 100% corrected and made up for their mistake. They fired garth snow and doug weight. They spent money and got a world class GM / Prez in lou, in which they gave total control to run the show. They spent money to get trotz, and got a world class coach with instant Stanley cup street cred. They also spent money in the AHL signing vets to help develop the youth.
We all make mistakes, but it's how you make up for those mistakes. That's what really matters.
We have 3 UFA situations right now with Lee / Nelson / Eberle, let's see what new management does with them.
Well said. Mistakes were definitely made in the past, however, it appears that the Isles are headed in the right direction now and we can (finally) be more optimistic about the future.
With respect to the three (3) free agents, if I could envision the best-case scenario (for the Isles as a team), it would be to:
- Sign Lee to a six-year deal at an AAV of $6-6.5 million. Can he get more as a UFA? Probably. But it puts him above players like Neal, Guentzel, Gourde, T. Wilson, etc. but behind E. Kane. It is also a year longer than JVR but a bit less AAV. Hopefully that gets it done and Lee wants to stay here.
- Unless the Isles can find a true 2c with some term (RoR, Schenn, etc.), or trade for and convince Duchene to sign an extension immediately, they need to hold onto Nelson. Especially if the Isles are in the 1-3 seeds in the Metro. Keep Brock, get some playoff experience for the team and kids, then try to upgrade in the off season. If they strike out, at least they can probably go back to Nelson.
- Look to trade Eberle. Then package those assets up, along with maybe the Calgary second rounder and/or some B prospects and try to add a better top-six forward. Again, it would be great if that player had at least another year on their contract. But if Lou thinks he can get a Panarin or Stone, in what is being projected as a buyer's market without giving up the farm (Eberle and the second isn't too bad), then sell them on the location, I would be fine with that.
- Shop Hickey. If someone wants to overpay a bit, in order to add a cheap vet for depth, the Isles could also retain some money to get back a better return. It would clear a contract., some salary going forward, free up a spot for Pelech or maybe Aho on defense and probably bring back an asset. Obviously they don't have to give Hickey away, there should be a market in the off season or next year, but it is worth exploring.
Those are just my quick thoughts. I am interested to see what Lou will ultimately do. Hopefully he can keep the team competitive now AND add for the future.