To me, this is a most unusual off season. In years past, I had a definitive checklist of things that I thought needed to be done. That included adds and subtractions. This year, it’s not so easy.
I’m ambivalent about the coaching change. I liked Gallant and his easy going style. I don’t buy the argument that we needed tougher practices. That’s not what the modern athlete typically says. As for tactics, I thought his system was fine and he made appropriate changes. Some of the amateur coaches here tend to overthink things. Gallant was reasonably responsive to what was happening on the ice. All of the strategic changes in the world don’t change how the players are performIng.
I thought Brooks put it well…Laviolette is a competent professional coach. As uninspiring as the choice seems, that is true.
So now what?
Well, given the constraints of the cap, any major changes depends on how they evaluate their own significant players. Are they OK with Lafreniere or is it possible he is moved? Would they trade Chytil? Can they make a fair deal with Miller? Do they see Schneider as a future building block or an overrated young player? Could they force an (expensive) move with a piece of the veteran core? And on and on.
I have my own evaluations but I’m not ready to go full Vegas and trade too many young players for veterans. The proven core is starting to age. Some young players have to step up and carry the flag. Sooner rather than later.
Drury is clearly on the hot seat this year and beyond. He has to make the decisions I outlined above. I’m sure he already knows where he wants to go.
He better be right.
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