It's just so disappointing because I feel that if they got a couple good pieces that could have had a legitimate shot at a deep playoff run with good health. We're wasting the last elite years of Datsyuk and Zetterberg and to a lesser extent, Kronwall.
Long time before the playoffs though. We could still potentially make a trade for a top defenseman. I'm no longer very optimistic though.
A deadline conversation between Holland and an anonymous GM:
GM: Hello Kenny, how's the family?
Ken: Good, how's yours?
GM: Good, so what can I do for you?
Ken: Well I am interested in your top defenseman, and am willing to make a trade.
GM: Sounds great, we have to start with asking for Tatar or Nyquist.
Ken: No roster players, sorry.
GM: Okay, we can work this out, how about Mantha or Sproul?
Ken: No prospects either.
GM: Well 2015 will be a deep draft, how about your 1st rounder?
Ken: I won't trade my first rounder.
*Click*
Ken: Hello?
--15 minutes after a panicked call to Colorado. A press conference--
Ken: We really like what Stuart brings to the team, he knows our system and we feel that in this market Nyquist, Mantha and a 1st is a fair deal for a top D-man!