I don't want Nuke back, he can well and truly f*** off -- but this quote certainly indicates that the leadership of the team might not be nearly as done with his BS as I thought they would be...now I think he might actually get yet another chance, if this quote is any indication of MacK's actually feelings on the matter.
I just don't see Mack as someone who is going to play media games. He doesn't like talking to reporters as it is...
For him to say anything at all speaks volumes.
I've been more in Nuke's corner than a lot of people throughout this stuff, but even I don't really have any faith left. Clearly the core of this team does though, and I get it.
I have friends who I wouldn't trust alone in my house that I've been to war with. Great soldiers, but shitty people outside of that.
Winning the Cup together is probably similar. Not saying anything about Nuke there, just that they have Clearly decided to be loyal throughout this situation. He's on a good contract that fits, like Landy, and is the only player that works as hard on the ice outside of Mack.
His future with the team is up to him I think. It makes some sense.. If they support him and he zeros himself out, fine, but if he doesn't or does for long enough for another run with Landeskog playing I can see the value.
The teams identity really is centered around how those two play. Having both allowed us to win a Cup.
It's not the only way, but it's the proven one with this coach.
To add a bit.. They were very loyal to Varly as an organization. I think that's something that needs to be remembered here. It might bite them in the ass, but they do have a reputation as a very respectable organization. Sort of the opposite of VGK, but there are different strategies for success, and Colorado does not have Vegas's advantages, yet still has three Cups in its lifetime as an organization.
Many fans, and organizations would love to have that level of success over what 30 years ish?