A+ from me so far. He's done everything I could ask.
The positives
1. Made sweeping changes. I wanted there to be some real player movement to shake up the core of the team, a core that has flamed out or choked late each season to miss the playoffs. He did that. With a new coach and a number of new faces, it should help provide some hope of seeing a different result.
2. Stuck by his promise to upgrade the centers. Three NHL centers were added to the roster. One of them looks to have all the tools to be a true #1 center.
3. Moved Benn to wing. Benn was a failed center. I was all for trying him there a couple of seasons ago, but he never adapted to the position.
4. Upgraded backup goalie. Ellis is a significant improvement. That should help Kari tons. Too often, Kari looked fatigued as seasons wore on because his coaches have overplayed him. A few added breaks should do wonders for his vitality.
5. Added talent to the defense. For the last few seasons, Goligoski was the only d-man equipped to play on the PP. Gonchar is a huge upgrade to give the Stars two d-men who can help on the PP.
6. Maintained roster spots for kids. Nill could have easily loaded up on vets, but he didn't. We are probably going to see a lot of ice time going to younger players like Dillon, Connauton, Seguin, Chiasson, Eakin, Nichushkin, and Roussel. Once again, that's over a third of the lineup being very young or inexperienced players. Like last season, a lot of young players are going to be given opportunities to play and earn spots.
The Negatives (but not really)
1. Defense remains a work in progress. If I have any complaint, it is that he did not do enough to upgrade the defense, but barring throwing an offer sheet at Pietrangelo, there are not many options out there. Swapping Larsen for Gonchar will be a big boost to the offensive production and power play potency on the blue line, but there are not many obvious upgrades out there over the other guys. He might be better waiting until next summer to see whether there are other trade options or free agents. Ideally, by next summer, the team should have a better idea if a couple of the guys in the AHL are ready to make the jump to take over for Robidas.