I'm reading his words and I think stuff like "we're not going for quick fix FA guys, we would if we were closer to being a contender but we're not" (to paraphrase) is pretty direct on where they are in terms of being competitive.
And the stuff about it not being a strip down to the studs but otherwise trying everything they can to get assets says where they are. It's a rebuild. Or a reload.
And apart from Sid, which is allegedly the safest of safe deals on extending, there's nobody in the room where the Pens don't control their future.
But, NYR came out and said it.
As you said. There is no clarity from management what this is. Over the last 12 months we've been told Dubas won't bet against the core, that the Guentzel move was made so we can build up our base to move players for young players, and now we are quote on quote not focused on being a fringe playoff team.
There is no messaging about what this team is. It's a murky middle.
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As a member of the Blueshirt Faithful, we consider you a part of the New York Rangers family, and always want to ensure we share important news about the organization directly with you. Today, we want to talk to you about the future.
As you know, since the 2005-06 season, we have been a highly competitive team. We have played 129 playoff games, won the Presidents' Trophy, reached the Conference Finals three times, as well as the Stanley Cup Final. While we're proud of all those accomplishments - we didn't reach our ultimate goal of bringing the Stanley Cup back to New York.
So as we do every season, we have been continuously evaluating our team, looking for areas that can be improved to enhance our chances of winning. We began the process of reshaping our team this past summer, when we traded for assets that we believe will help us in the years to come. As we approach the trade deadline later this month and into the summer, we will be focused on adding young, competitive players that combine speed, skill and character. This may mean we lose some familiar faces, guys we all care about and respect. While this is part of the game, it's never easy. Our promise to you is that our plans will be guided by our singular commitment: ensuring we are building the foundation for our next Stanley Cup contender.
There are no fans like Rangers fans. You are passionate, loyal and true. You fill The Garden every night, and we always know there will be a strong showing from RangersTown in every building across the League. We do not take your support for granted. We appreciate that you have always stood by us, and we ask you to remain by our side as we undertake this exciting new chapter filled with promise and change.
We will keep you informed as this process takes shape. Thank you for the incredible loyalty, pride and respect you show to the New York Rangers, each and every day."
Big difference.
