If the idea was to maximize the value of each season, Sweeney would have found a way to move backes contract and bring in 2nd line help for Krejci. Clearly the idea of management is to compete now while also having the pieces to compete after the bergy/krejci/Rask era
Completely different scenario, but for the sake of discussion: I don’t doubt they tried to move Backes..we don’t even know if a Backes deal was on the table or what the asks out there were if there was one. Maybe it’s “yeah we’ll take Backes but you have to send us Jake DeBrusk as well” then what do you do?
maybe they tried and determined max value was just keeping him.
what assets do you anticipate getting back for Krug if you trade him just to get something in return? Do they help maximize Bergeron/Chara? If not..do you consider moving those two as well since they will never be more valuable than they are right now? You have to if the focus is on asset management and not icing the best team possible, right?
To me, there are three phases of hockey management: Asset gather, asset manage, and window maximization.
Asset gather: you suck, get high picks, sell at deadlines
Asset manage: you have a core, your team isn’t there yet though. Assess who will be a part of the next cup run and get value for those who won’t
Window maximize: you’re there. Go get a cup and squeeze everything you can from the group you have.
I’m 100% in the asset management camp
when the time is right. and I’m pretty insufferable about it.
I was screaming from the rooftops to trade Loui, Lucic, and Carl Soderberg for anything because the team was going no where and it was clear they wouldn’t be part of the next cup run. That was met with contention about how you can’t go into the locker room and tell players and staff that you’re giving up because it’ll hurt their feelings and other BS.
Now is not that time. It’s pedal to the metal time. You’ll know when it’s that time cause people will be saying things like “if we just get in, anything can happen” . You have a window, maximize it. The only Krug trade that makes sense is one that gives the Bruins a better team than they had for 2019-20.