What’s the point of firing management if we’re just going to run the same team back with these players? Dubas and Shanny have built a team with a ton of talent but boxed themselves in ideologically on the big 4 and couldn’t get the recipe right.
I don’t actually blame them for sticking with the big 4 this long. I’m fine if they’re the ones to try and turn it around tbh. We could do a lot worse, and have for the last 20 years. I don’t need to go fishing for an Yzerman or Sakic. I’m fine with consistent management as a choice. They’ve tried everything else, I’d give them this too.
But by bringing in new management there would be no feelings of loyalty tied to any players. There is something wrong with this team, whether it‘s due to the players, coaches, management, or a combination of all three.
In my opinion, Dubas has built a flawed team, building from the offence in, rather than defence out. Yes, we have 2 very gifted offensive players, but you can’t use that much of your cap on offence, and not put what’s needed toward your defence (goalie(s) included). Matthews was going to get paid, but he bent Dubas over backwards by getting the amount and the term he got. And Marner should not have gotten what he got.
Also, Dubas has a thing for small, skilled players, which is fine, but you also need size and toughness, but with some skill too. Add in the fact that in a few short seasons we have gone from being one of the youngest teams, to one of the oldest, without having done anything in the playoffs (and let’s not forget the monumental collapse against the Habs two seasons ago).
Management have not wavered in their belief in this core. It’s time to bring in new management, people with no bias one way or the other, and see if it was the management, the core, or a combination of the two.
