This seems like just a more direct way of phrasing what Langway seemed to be saying, which I think was "start selling now and fire everyone regardless of whether they could've made the playoffs if healthy".
IOW nothing new.
GMBM is saying what he needs to say right now. He's trying to pump the team's tires a bit while also lighting a little bit of a fire. It doesn't rule out big changes in the offseason or a TDL firesale, or coaching changes if they squeak into the playoffs and crap out again.
What you and everyone else euphemistically keep referring to as "getting ahead of the market" is also known as "selling low in a buyer's market". There are few teams looking to make deals right now and if you have a squad that's faltering that's a double whammy against your potential returns in any transaction.
GMBM is not stupid. He didn't get his job by being someone's son in law or just some former player with name recognition. You may not agree with his management philosophy but he's only made a few mistakes, most of which are in hindsight.
If we're going to constantly complain about "asset management" then going around ringing bells and holding BOY FOR SALE signs is probably the worst asset management we can reach for right now.
Yes I think I’m at the point where I’d recommend firing the coaches I mentioned at the very least.
When it comes to Laviolette I think it’s best to think about it in terms of what his impact will be on next year’s version of the squad rather than if he could have gotten them into the postseason this year if the team was healthy. Right now I think he is doing more harm than good in preparing the team for next year, and for that reason I think he should be fired.
It’s a tough ask to be sure. He’s likely icing the roster he thinks will win the most games now, but with the math becoming more daunting every day I think the focus has to shift to next year. And with that shift in focus I think Laviolette has to go. He’s a win-now coach with a roster that can’t win now. Maybe it’s a little unfair to Laviolette but it’s not about being fair to him, it’s about getting ready for 2023-24 and beyond.
There are several sides to asset management. It’s not only about maximizing returns in a trade (though that of course is important), but it’s also about maximizing the assets you currently have. McMichael needs legitimate time at center in the NHL, where he was very good last year. Instead of maybe giving him 10-15 games at the end of the season and not really getting a sense of what he truly is as a player in the NHL, why not give him the last 50 or so games and really get a solid assessment of where he might stand next year? I think that’d be worth it over squeezing every last drop of value out of Lars Eller, for instance.
It’s less about selling players now and more about making them available now. There’s no harm saying you’re open for business. Maybe a team like Toronto (whose defense is decimated right now) or Florida (whose defense just stinks) will look to bolster their team now in order to remain in the playoff picture and take an interest in Jensen, Carlson, or Orlov and be willing to pay a premium. While buyers might be more desperate at the TDL, they’ll also have more options at that point as well. There’s so guarantee a return will be better then than it would be now. If they wait until the TDL, then guys like Matt Dumba and Shayne Gostisbehere being available could suppress the value of Jensen and Orlov, for instance.
I just kind of doubt anyone is even available now given the recent interview. He spoke as if Oshie returning made a significant impact and I suspect he thinks the same thing about Wilson and Orlov returning. It’s way too optimistic IMO.
