Thing is, why would you say any different to your guys, especially your young players?
Something tells me every single team believes they have the talent to win, there's a ton of parity and these guys are playing in the best hockey league in the world
I think it's only once you start losing games that reality sinks in, but you have to believe going in to the season that you're there for more than just a paycheck.
Imagine telling a bunch of young guys fighting for spots "meh, just do your best, we're really pretty mediocre anyways"
All that said, ultimately Sweeney needs to make the roster decisions. It's one thing to say that, it's another to force your GM to move futures when your team clearly doesn't have what it takes and spring is approaching. Hopefully JJ doesn't do that to the Don, we have a good thing going and I'm willing to wait to get a real prize eventually. We've already seen sweeney'a decisions produce so far, we're about to go into the season with several players he either drafted, advocated for, or helped mold - or all of the above.
Anyone (well maybe besides me
) expect Carlo to make the team a year after he was drafted? I doubt it.
The man has a plan, let's enjoy the ride