Outside of
@ChaoticOrange its interesting to me how there is no distinction at all between age and experience for most posters.
Contrary to what people want to believe experience/leadership is critical.
Of course not all older players (ie Lucic) are going to be strong leaders and be able to contribute just like not all younger players are going to help a team win.
It goes without saying that there has to be a certain level of discernment with any player you bring in.
Bingo. It's funny how a lot who posted pertaining the subject sloughs off a guy like Strudwick, a guy who's been there and seen it in the room. Somehow they believe they know better than him? Let's face it, struds opinion on this type of thing would hold way more water than any poster on this board.
No doubt, Connor's dominance and carrying the team on his shoulders can be inspirational for players on the bench but leadership is way more than just that. It's about a lot of things Struds mention about knowing what to say to certain players, when to say it, how to go about saying it to get the maximum benefits etc. How to be a leader off the ice and be able to involve everyone in team functions etc. It's not all on ice or in the room. If all players feel invovled in the team off the ice they will feel more a part of it on the ice. Guys will have each other's back better. You need those guys, vets, who've been there, seen other good vets do it, to help Connor, Drai, Nurse, Nuge etc develop these leadership skills.
The young core might figure it out on their own and develop their own culture but i think the best course is/was to bring in good vets (who can play too) to aid Connor etc in developing the culture. Unfortunately Looch didn't work and he had his own personal struggles. I was never a fan of that signing but i think he did help a bit with that leadership in his first year here when his game was still somewhat ok. Once he took a dive his confidence etc went and it's hard to lead when that happens.
Having guys like Justin Williams and guys like him (preferably younger) etc would have really helped us develop our leadership and culture. Connor may be great and will become a great leader but it's A LOT of work to properly lead a group of players on and off ice and develop the culture. It's a lot on a shoulders of one young guy no matter how much of a phenom he is. It would be beneficial for him to have more vet help. Hopefully Neal can kind of fill those shoes a bit. I don't know what kind of a person/player Sheahan is but maybe he could help too? Sometimes it's those lesser know, "no name" guys that make a huge difference in the culture of the room. I think Hendricks was kind of that guy a few years ago for this room.
