it is. but he is a "heart and soul" type guy. high motor and a good two way game. players like him are exactly what you want in a playoff run.
it really comes down to what the ultimate direction for this team is
im all for building through the draft. but if that's all we're doing... its going to be awhile before we're competitive every year IMO. we could make subtle changes and additions (waivers etc) and maybe sneak into the 8th spot here and there
by the time our prospects and picks are in the league - our current core will be gone or declining. we can only hope we continue to draft and develop well enough be be successfull beyond the current core
but if we're hoping to be competitive sooner than later, and actually try and do some damage in the playoffs - we will have to add some talent. FA pools will be slim, and guys will get overpaid, but other than trading the limited value we currently have.... there aren't a ton of options over the next couple years
I don't believe this. I know there is this much talked about philosophy here and elsewhere on HF Boards about a 'window' and what we have not being good enough to win big with. What I have seen is several examples of teams that had a good talented core, and had some things about the team that were broken. The players matured a bit, the org makes a few tweaks, perhaps a coaching change and boom! the team not only makes the playoffs, but goes on to win the Cup. Everyone is looking to build this amazing core and young team that perennially makes the playoffs. That is great, and I want that too but truth be told those teams will yield 2 cups if you are lucky, maybe one, and often none. Look at the examples:
Vancouver - zero
Pittsburgh - one. ONE
Chicago - two
Washington - zero
San Jose - zero
Tampa Bay - one (and rebuilt since then)
Oilers - phenomenal failure
The list goes on and on. Then you throw in teams that were more like the Jets like the Kings and the Hurricanes. They have as much to show for not doing full rebuilds as these other teams.
In summary I do not believe there is one proven method for Cup success in the NHL. I think there are things you can do, and I think the Jets are doing a lot of them. I still believe in this core and I believe we can do great things with *most* of them. Look what coaching has done. It's not smoke and mirrors, either. The guys are playing structured, and doing way more things to give us success on the ice. Can you imagine if we hired a better coach from day one?
This team gets a GOOD goalie, and parlays Buff into a young top 6 forward and watch out.
Also GoldenJet89 after re-reading your post I do realize we are not saying that different of things. I am just responding to this meme that you have to blow it up and assemble a fairy tale core. It doesn't work with enough success to make it worth it.
It doesn't matter HOW you get the right mix of players. There certainly is an art to it though. I think we are closer than some think though.
