So what should the plan have been?
- Articulate what kind of team/roster you want to construct. Do you want a big, forechecking team like the Blues, or a skilled puck possession team like the Capitals? Personally I think the proper make up for a Devils team in this era is to be a relentless puck retrieving team - fuse the tradition of responsible structured defensive play with aggressive puck possession. Something like a cross between St. Louis & Vegas.
- Acknowledge that the cupboard has to be restocked at all positions, and as such articulate which pieces of the roster are of the highest priority to address right away. The logical approach here is to aggressively seek replenishment of the D-core and Centers since they take the longest to develop and are the most difficult to acquire. With that being set as the priority, the majority of drafting and transactions should be toward that aim; and any decisions made that don't move you towards that priority should be well analyzed to ensure they don't stall or negatively impact the goal of assembling a competent defensive core/center depth.
- Supplement wingers on the roster in the short term by acquiring inexpensive stop gap solutions, if need be. Do not hand out long term contracts to aging players, and avoid giving up assets to acquire players who may stall the rebuild (AKA do not match the rebuild timeline). This is a tricky one: if a Larsson for Hall deal becomes available and you decide it can't be passed up - then you have to start changing the plan to fit Hall's timeline rather than the original rebuild timeline. Which is fine, but risky. (This is not what Ray did and we see how that turned out).
- Identify players who are likely to be currently overvalued by other GM's (someone like a Severson or Wood) and what they can be exchanged for - this could be an opportunity to acquire higher risk/reward prospects.
- Make it a priority to sign a competent goalie and roll with a 1A/1B tandem through the rebuild.
- Retain the positives of Lou's tenure - culture of structure, leadership, accountability, and putting the team before the individual. Model that standard in every action, decision, strategy, etc.
- Hire the right coaching staff - they must model the standard set above, instill structure, and demand a winning effort every night. They must institute a system that is in line with the type of team that is being built. And most important - they must be held accountable if they fail. This is a business and results matter. No hanging onto people just because you've worked with them for x number of years, or you have a personal relationship, etc.
- Maintain and model the passionate underdog identity of a Jersey team, complete with genuine dislike of local rivals like the Rangers and Flyers. Expect this out of all your players and staff as well.
- Communicate the timeline. Something like "our goal is to have a team that plays to win every night, starting immediately; a core of defensemen and centers within 3 years; and competing for a playoff spot within 5. The on-ice product will be something our fans and the entire organization can be proud of."
