9th is already optimistic. Mikey & Torts (ownership hire?) will move heaven and earth to try to get in but will fall just short. Calling it right now: we'll be drafting in the 12-14 range, in true Calgary fashion.
If Torts was a pure ownership hire, i wouldn't doubt that it was Aquillini's solution to all the NTC handed out, like candy, by super Mike. Within one year JT will have 1/2 of those players demanding a deal, bolting for the KHL or taking early retirement. Who said the Sedins were onboard with the JT hiring? If you know anything about hockey culture behind the door, that means they rarely if ever say what they really mean. The game and the jobs are a gift and you do everything possible to avoid screwing up your spot in it, including speaking out. Lundqvist did and then did the 180 after feeling some heat.
The level of accountability in this organization is like Harper; no one has to stand behind a decision but there are always players to throw under the bus. Has Torts ever said that maybe, just maybe his 'all-in and maximum minutes' to his top horses has proven to be a disaster? If they're not falling due to blocking shots, their fatigue level is opening up other injury opportunities. Gillis' 'reset' was more a joke on himself than a description on any action he brought forward. While I understand and sympathize with the 'tank' crowd, it's just not feasible in a hockey-mad market and with the cap artificially low this year. People are still coughing up hard-earned dough for the lame 'outdoor' game, proving there's a sucker born every minute. The only means to get this ship turned around, other than wishing the judge had awarded the ex-Aquillini custody of the team, is a lot of empty seats. But for that to happen in this market, they've got to stink so badly for a couple of years or more before people start abandoning ship. But at least GMMG has something he can share with Whitecaps Lenarduzzi -- neither of them can find a goal scorer if it came giftwrapped.
