Every team got better and we didn't, hwo do you figure we dont get dunked on?
Very few teams "got better".
Most replaced player departures/filled empty roster spots.
Habs had 2 departures, Ylonen & Kovacevic.
Stability is valuable in building team identity and can have a very positive performance improvement impact.
Our roster is heavy on U25 players, net improved performance from a young core like this is also very likely and, coupled with significant stability, arguably more conducive to improved team performance than trying to adjust to multiple new additions.
Without even factoring the unknown additional changes possible before opening day, on paper, Habs are more improved heading into next season than many of the teams that made moves on July 1st.
TT and Bertuzzi are mid 6 forwards, I'm sure they would've agreed to sign here for similar money, at the end of the day though, TT wasn't a target I was just giving it as an example as a counter point to the "no UFA wants to sign here" bs.
TT returned to Chicago, city he's lived in and org. that drafted him. Good bet that he had some personal incentive to return.
Bertuzzi... Meh. Not a great fit for the kind of culture and style of play we are building. I'd be surprised if KH did more than the minimal due diligence in kicking tires on making an offer to him.
Yes, especially a guy say like Trenin, young, cheap and good.
I wanted us to take a look at Trenin...
But 4yrs @3.5M is a big, expensive commitment to a guy who could only get 4th line minutes from a playoff team that added him specifically to improve their middle 6.
Armia is a better hockey player and most view his 3.5M hit as onerous.
Easy pass on that one.