What’s funny is the focus on ‘fixing the culture’ I just made it a bunker mentality that can’t handle criticism and is immune of any expectations, from the GM down. When Adams literally laughed when asked if missing the playoffs by a single point to end an 11 year playoff drought was a missed opportunity it just showed the mentality of the front office wasn’t living in any sort of reality.
The reality is to effect any real change you are going to have to turn over 25-35% of the roster if not more. All the vets have accepted losing as the standard. As has the coaching staff. And the front office was always ok with it. There be voices that say ‘this isn’t ok’ They need to stop trading guys who get pissed off about losing and start moving the guys who are docile about it.
Idk if its better for the roster speculation thread or here, but from a purely culture perspective, I'd be curious on everyone's thoughts of who stays/goes. Below are my rambling thoughts
I think on-ice leadership is a big part of it, if you have the right guys at the top, the other guys who are maybe 50% committed get pulled in, do idk if I need that amount of roster turnover. This could be captaincy or coaching.
On the coaching front, Torts was the one coach I would have been firmly on board with, and he's getting the results in philly because there's a high standard. I think Don would really be well-served to have an assistant that will kick some asses, maybe Peca could have been that guy... The 5v5 results have been fine, but they could be better. I'm fine keeping Don but think there's probably room to improve the staff as a whole. Granted, I cant tell you much about the assistants, so I'm not saying this with a ton of conviction.
On the captaincy side (or rather player side regardless of letter), I dont hate KO, but doesnt seem like what we need right now. I dont think Old man Johnson is it either. Need someone who isn't too far past their prime and can garner the respect of the skilled guys.
To be honest I'm fine with most of the players. VO is well past due to leave, KO will be gone, I dont think Girgs is a culture problem. I'll defend skinner's overall impact at times, but I don't think he sets a good example, but we're stuck with him. I don't think any of the current team is going to push him, because he'll shut down like he did under ralph.
Someone needs to push Power. PHam caught flak for calling him soft, but I dont think he was wrong. Luckily, its not a permanent affliction. Cozens needs to decide whether he wants the "workhorse" thing to be a permanent title or something that shows up every now and then. Same sort of goes with Sammy.
I think losing Mitts at a time like this would be a mistake. He's a guy that actually seemed to have an attitude adjustment and came out on the right end of things.
Additional guys I think you have to hold on to are Tuch, Greenway, Benson, Peterka, and Tage. Peterka and tage dont have a ton of grind in them, but I think they each have a little bit of ego that this team has historically lacked. I think they hate to lose because they have confidence in their abilities. Maybe an honorable mention for Krebs. He hasn't been good but I think he can still be of value. A few offseasons ago some reporter mentioned Dahlin was holding guys accountable. Not sure if it was overstated, if other 'leaders' on the team prevent him from having that role, or if he's just not the Captain sort of guy.