We are a team who has long had our troubles taking the next step. We've went from an awful team who couldn't get it together under Noel, no organization depth in the form of prospects or NHL players (supporting cast). We were essentially a one line team of Ladd - Little - Wheeler / Enstrom - Byfuglien with awful goaltending (Pavelec). We eventually built some NHL roster depth coupled with some youth (Scheifele, Trouba) and evolved to a team that seemed to find their groove, footing and identity under Maurice (big, heavy, fast, strong possession, etc). Made the playoffs on that identity but we failed and bowed out early. It appears after that playoff appearance management shifted the gears as it didn't appear that group or mold would be what brought the organization consistent, long-term success. The switch seemed to be flipped for the 2015-16 season as more youth was introduced. We struggled mightily last season, took our punches and were rewarded with a lottery pick (Laine). Which in return appears like it's going to be a game changer for this organization.
Vets Wheeler, Little, Byfuglien, Enstrom, Perreault, Myers coupled with youth in Scheifele, Laine, Ehlers, Connor, Morrissey, Hellebuyck, Armia, and a prospect system still consisting of Petan, Dano, Roslovic, Lemieux, Comrie, Copp, De Leo, Stanley, etc.. are what this group will ride or die on in the coming years. And Chevy making the right roster moves when needed to compliment this group, fill gaps, and help lift them to the next level when they prove worthy. Chevy hasn't been perfect in his role as GM to this point, he's made his mistakes and he's called some good shots and made some nice moves. Name me a perfect GM who utilizes a "plan" from start to finish with perfection, it isn't easy to do. Even Dean Lombardi had his critics in LA before it all came together. No plan is the perfect plan until you hoist Lord Stanley, then it all feels worth it and makes sense.
All of that being said, as poor as last years team was, this years team in comparison is minus Ladd (We got Stanley + Dano in return, both not on the NHL roster), Little (Injured), Trouba (Holding out). Those are all top line, reliable players who played big key roles. You take last years team, subtract Ladd, Little, Trouba and you essentially replace them with Laine (Ladd), Morrissey (Trouba) and nobody for Little given the circumstances (injured in game 1, our indefinitely). We're going to take our fair share of punches here this season until younger players grow into some pretty heavy and demanding roles (and Little returns).
What I am envisioning this year is a young team who will struggle through the first half of the season. Ups, downs, blown leads, dramatic comebacks, good nights, bad nights. There will be frustrating nights but there will also be some really, really exciting nights. I never turn the tv off no matter the score this year because these young kids are just too much fun to watch, in my opinion. I want to see our team systems and special teams become competent and improve (very soon, a lot of it is coaching), and I want to see the young players on this team become more comfortable and adjusted in their new roles as NHL'ers, as well as our vets lead and be contributing players leading the pack. Then, ideally, in the second half of this season we go on a run and things begin clicking and coming together nicely (wishful thinking, I know) but I think it can happen. Perhaps we make the playoffs (doubtful in my opinion), perhaps we just miss the mark by a few/handful of points. But I want to see the above happen and an identity with this group be formed.
Goaltending also has to be solidified, and it should be with Connor Hellebuyck now on the roster full-time. We need him to take the reins and be 'the guy'. Or Hutch, but the future is no doubt on Hellebuyck and it's his crease to have if he can carry the load and prove his worth.
Next year I hope we can really hit the ground running, as the entire team returns (for the most part - Stafford, Thorburn, Postma, Pavelec UFA's July 1st 2017, and we will lose one player (of minimal impact) to the expansion draft). I expect growing pains this year but next season (2017-18) I expect results and for the team to hit the ground running --- no excuses. If they struggle out of the gate next season I think Maurice is gone. The years that follow (2018-19, 2019-20, etc) I expect to take our place in the upper echelon of teams contending for Lord Stanley.
If this doesn't happen then it's time for management and ownership to look in the mirror because their blueprint of a draft and develop team won't be worth a lick if they don't turn this thing around in the next couple seasons to results. No GM, management group or plan needs 10 years to finally become relevant so this either works and comes together in the next year or two or I think the pitchforks come out in Winnipeg and Chevy, Chipman and co. will have a fan base demanding change and results.
