The time to see what Gorton can do is now. He's been able to dabble with a team that was on the down-turn, made some good and bad moves(more good than bad, I feel) and now is going to run a clean slate. I see that he notices problem areas and moves to rectify them.
On the bad...
Staal trade was Saarella and two 2nds... Staal was a dud and none of those 3 assets have seen an NHL game, although it's still early. The organization wanted to buy.
Maybe Brendan Smith was another bad move, but the fan-base was definitely behind resigning him and maybe he'll still be a legit NHL defender if he's in shape and with a more simplified defensive system.
JT Miller included in the McDonagh deal
On the good side...
Got something for nothing concerning Yandle's rights (4th rd pick once he signed contract, I believe?)
Zib + 2nd for Brassard + 7th is a total win
Stepan for #7 (Andersson) will be a win, I think.
Raanta for DeAngelo... meh but it's still a backup G for a young RHD which is an organizational need
Girardi bought out
Shattenkirk signed at what most called a discount
Decision to go total rebuild when only 3 points out of a playoff spot and a bunch of trade value available in a season
Fire AV and staff - A decision I believe was made at the same time as rebuild.
Drafting wise, he took over in 2015 after the draft so he has 2 under his belt... '16 and '17
No 1st or 2nd rd pick in 2016. If Day, Gettinger or Ronning become NHL players, it was a good draft. Signed Vesey and Gilmour.
2017 Andersson and Chytil in 1st rd... Chytil looks like total steal and would have been top 10 in 2018 draft if he was 2 weeks younger.
No 2nd rd pick but then signs Pionk who may now be a regular NHL player.
Now, outside of some leftover Cap Anchors like Staal, the slate is clean and his to create. The team is already younger, but still with veterans. With all the prospects he's acquired through the 2017 trades and three 1st rd picks as well as 2 picks in each of the 2nd and 3rd rd, he's got a foundation to work from. There is also some cap space available and a few more players that can be moved, or condensed together for an upgrade.
I need to see what he can do with all these picks, prospects and some of the veteran guys like Zucc, Namestnikov, etc. in terms of getting some young difference makers for the near future. I think there are opportunities to condense some of those different values into a young, premiere player. This off-season and '18-19 season is the big "make or break" moment for Gorton in my eyes.
Please... don't f*** it up haha. If we end up with Jessiman, McIlrath types out of the draft, Namestnikov resigned at $5M+ long term and someone like Kreider traded away for peanuts, I'll remove that sum bitch myself.