Everyone knows that even the best GM's fail at times.
However, my problem with some of the trades the past couple of years, and I said it at the time of each trade, was the complete 180 degree shift from speed, youth and skill that won back to back cups to this quest for size and grit that most here knew was a mistake.
So the individuals traded for, fine, it happens.
Change of philosophy trying to be part one thing and part the other which is diametrically opposed to the first? Not fine at all.
What are you talking about? Last year the trades all made the team younger trading UFA players for young players with term. Pens are the 10th youngest team in the league and one of the fastest. Rutherford has done a great job keeping a contending team with it's core 3 players nearing mid 30's but still keeping the team young and fast around them.
Yes, some trades did not work out but no person thought Brassard was a bad trade at the time. Not every deal works out and you move on. Perron didn't work out despite still to this day being a productive top 6 forward that just won a Cup. We moved on and traded him for Hagelin and went on to win 2 Cups. Moved on from Brassard and Sheahan and traded them for McCann and Bjugstad which was a great deal for us.
Traded for young defenseman Pettersson and Marino for literally nothing of value (Waiver wire forward and a 6th). Love his deals last year and over the summer. I also love the signing of Tanev who is a perfect fit for Sullivan's system.
I didn't even mind the Reaves trade and he obviously played well considering he played in the Cup Finals that year. Sundqvist would still be in the minors if he played for the Pens. He does not fit our system and couldn't even beat out Rowney when on our team and players like Blueger had passed him up in our teams eyes. Rutherford has done a great job icing a playoff team every season and the leagues current longest streak. Not every signing or trade works out but Rutherford has made many more great ones than bad ones and the 2 Cups proves that.
Also what is not to love about his the work over the past year? One of the top ten youngest teams and one of the fastest. Love how we have still been competitive each game despite so many top forwards out.