From an asset POV, we got two assets for Montour. On the surface, we got a replacement level NHL prospect defenseman and a late first round pick, which turned out to be LW Tracey. I was surprised to see Monty traded when we did trade him. On an individual observance, we lost Monty's offense. On a team observance, the team improved scoring and defense without Monty, after he was traded away. Based upon that reflection after the season, I thought we won the trade. (I provide an excel chart for the coaching splits. Monty played in 6 games under Bob.)
2018-19 Ducks season | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Coach | Games | W | L | OTL | Pts | | GF | GF/G | Rank | GA | GA/G | Rank |
Total | 82 | 35 | 37 | 10 | 80 | | 196 | 2.39 | 31st | 248 | 3.02 | 19th |
Bob | 26 | 14 | 11 | 1 | 29 | | 72 | 2.77 | 21st | 69 | 2.65 | 5th |
RC | 56 | 21 | 26 | 9 | 51 | | 124 | 2.21 | 31st | 179 | 3.20 | 22nd |
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While Monty does produce offense, the coaching staff might have information that we fans aren't privy to seeing that made Monty's defensive play made him expendable - especially when the return is a prospect at an NHL replacement level and a first round pick. Lets hope Tracey pans out.
Fast forward to this season. After nine games, the Ducks' own the best GAA at 1.78. Offensively, we're ranked 22nd at 2.56 GF rate. So far, we're producing similarly to how Bob changed the team when he took over as head coach. The only personnel we added to the roster in the off-season was fourth line winger Deslauriers.
All this talk about wanting Montour back seems to be oblivious on how the Ducks have played without him last year and this season. Montour has yet to play a single NHL game this season. Guhle has played in 4 contests. Why is there a discussion at the moment when Montour hasn't suited up at all?
This Monty thing seems odd. GM Bob moved Fowler off the top pairing and Fowler's now blossoming. Also, Lindholm is racking up points as well. Both defensemen are in the Ducks' top-5 in scoring this early in the season. Heck, we have four defenseman in our top-10 scoring for the team right now! We play Fowler on the PP, but sit him down in favor of Larsson - the bland, efficient Larsson. I don't hear a lot of Duck fans complaining about Fowler not playing on the PK. The problem isn't generating points from the defense if we're looking to add more scoring. The problem is not generating more points from our forwards as well as the lack of play on the PP.
Anyhow, Guhle has 2 points in 4 games this season. Monty has yet to play a game. If our team continues to play defense this way with our 22nd ranked offense, we're still going to be winning a lot more games. We're 6-3-0 right now with such a sub-standard offense and brilliant defense. As for sustainability, we can look to the 26 games played under GM Murray when he took over as head coach. The numbers are similar (slightly behind in scoring and vastly better in GA/game) from last year to this year.
Okay... now back to the two assets. Guhle is considered an NHL replacement level defenseman. GM Murray added an forward prospect asset in Tracey, who is probably years away. We're drafting forwards far better nowadays than long ago. GM Murray increased his leverage if he feels the need to trade for a defenseman. While it's still early into the season, the current seven defensemen are contributing to the low GA/game average. If their play remains the same or improves, then GM Murray doesn't have to make a move out of necessity. If an opportunity does come up where a good defenseman becomes available before or at the trade deadline, then at least GM Murray increased his asset pool to help land that good defenseman as it could be possible that Tracey could be dangled or possibly a draft pick so GM Murray doesn't disturb his current roster.
Right now, GM Murray is winning the gamble. The GAA is tops in the league, the team is 2nd in the Pacific division, Guhle has a scoring rate of 0.5 ppg in four games and a +2 rating, and prospect Tracey has 7 points in five games since being returned to his WHL club. Lindholm and Fowler are scoring more. Monty has yet to put on skates this year.