Not every team can be a London, Oshawa, Brantford , Peterborough and have continued success like they do.
I’d say the last couple seasons Cooper has been in learning mode trying to find his place and learn the league.
He has also had a AGM that’s been learning the league with him so the experience the last couple years combined with a budget / low experience coach like Caputi was not a good combination.
I think the learning phase is done and he likely needs to show some results now to the Springers.
Especially after convincing the Springers to pay Mann which was not easy from what i understand.
So you think it would be a better idea to waste the years of Soto, Battaglia, McNamara next year just to get a bottom 5 spot in the conference and go out in the first round? You think that is more logical rather than doing a full on rebuild around a bunch of 09s, a few decent 08’s? That is what’s best for the team and gives them the best shot at a championship which is every teams goal.
They can do those trades and still probably make the playoffs. Will they be a team making it on to the second round next year though? Absolutely not
would be better building around 08s, 09s and then not next year but the following season so 2026/2027 mem cup is in the OHL. Either go for it that year in Troy’s final year as coach or trade Hopkins get picks and push for the 2027/28 season when your 2/3 09 first round picks are 18 and guys like McQuaig, Kelly, Buttar are 19- Moore 20, weir 20 (if he doesn’t get drafted and is in the AHL by then)
From what I remember of Springer and yes he offered me a job looking after the mascot when they were at the M Center. He wants to make money. he wants to add value to his product.
There is prestige being the M Cup winner but can you buy a coffee at Tims with a M Cup ring.
People on here have complained about the lack of marketing and about the fact that the team is not a draw.
It should be it is the only real game in town for sports.
Why it isn't is because of the price location and the need for a consistent product.
Let's be honest with the Gens: Brampton, Barrie, and possibly Brantford all have good teams. The top 3 positions in the conf are filled.
Looking at this team it is not a contending team.
I understand that there are some people who think winning the M Cup is the be-all and end-all of a franchise's success.
I look at it from the perspective of the fan that puts his money down and wants to be entertained and see a consistent product.
Imagine that you loved a restaurant for 3 years it goes all out to build it's brand and get a 5 star rating. however, it only gets a 4 star, and the following year, the restaurant's food sucks because they are trying to reinvent the menu and have hired a new chef.
Would you still go to it.
If you want to get a fan base tht pays the money be it university, military corrections or the normal Joe you need to provide the people with an entertaining property.
You have to go back to what it was for many people when it was at the M Centre. It was Friday night hockey, cheering on the team as they won or as they fought (in the early years) . It was getting some of the Browns fries and coffee. It was meeting friends on a weekly basis to check in.
But it was knowing that in or lose the product on the ice was going to entertain you.
That doesn't happen with the 3 year rebuild.
FF
you are wrong you are not wasting anyone. These guys are here to develop into men, and some of them will be lucky enough to develop into good hockey players.
Next year, if you develop the players properly, you will not be a bottom 5 team. You will have a strong defence. Goaltending will be the same, and you will have great offence. I would suggest that next yers team if drafted and developed will be stronger than the on ice product you have ow minus Pie and possibly Burns
