Brad blew it on Klingberg and Reeves.
Bertuzzi and Domi have been good after rough starts.
I like what he's done to the defensive core. He's been ridiculously handicapped due to the cap structure of the team. Getting those big lugs wasn't bad. I see a Skelton of a real defensive core. Big and tough. Guys who move players away from the net. At least its something.
I can't bash him. He was dealt a terrible hand by Kyle Dubas, who did overall a bad job.
- Matthews is a UFA in a year with all negotiation power, because Dubas botched the first contract. Matthews should have 4 years left a 11.6m, not 1.
- Nylander is a UFA, coming off a career year, with all negotiation power, because Dubas botched the first contact. Nylander should have 3 years left at 6.9m, not 1.
- Marner's on a deal he's never earned that Brad never signed. He could have traded him before the draft, but it sounds like Shanny was blocking that stuff.
- JT is on a deal where he's clearly overpaid, that Brad never signed.
They have barely any prospects and picks, because Dubas traded them all away.
I'm giving Brad another year, but with a new CEO and probably Shanny gone. I could see Brad being replaced given he's lame duck.
If he does remain, he can't keep Marner. The Tavares situation is going to figure itself out, when he takes a massive paycut on his next deal.