I've been thinking about something and would really appreciate people telling me if my logic is somewhat solid or completely flawed. Basically my perspective is that if one uses the end of last season as a point of reference then the Predators have not even really taken a step back from that point in time but have made massive strides towards potentially improving the future. Even with the moves. (I'm intentionally ignoring Tolvanen for this.)
Jeannot -> OK but I don't think anyone is going to complain about that haul, especially given the performance this season
Nino -> If we believe in the kids then I'm not sure we need to worry about this one?
Ekholm -> McDonagh + Barrie + prospect + picks
It's kind of crazy in a way because the reality is we kind of reset our farm system without even really stepping backwards if you use end of last season as point of reference.
I wonder what the Western Conference will look like next season. I didn't necessarily expect it to be as weak as it turned out to be this season either.
As such a team sport, a lot in hockey comes down to coaching/chemistry/execution intangibles, and the Cap keeps rosters mostly within some shouting distance of eachother.
For us a key will be if the remaining vets/core players stay motivated. Forsberg, Josi, Duchene, Granlund... will they all buy in to believing that the team can be just as good? Or better? Or will they pout a little bit about losing more buddies? Will they resent the kids taking jobs? Or will they take them under their wing and help them grow? There's a lot of ways it could go. A new coach is the first step, though, an absolute must, and after that happens... I don't want to completely discount our chances of remaining competitive next season... but... I'm not going to EXPECT a playoff spot either... if it comes it will be a pure bonus.
If Hynes is still here, I will just automatically write off next season as a rebuilding one, though.
