But it is so much easier to simply ignore the cost, toss in a few stats and make up your own narrative, without offering up concrete solutions. Social media thrives on that formula.
I mean sure. That's one way to look at it. Fans clamoring for accountability deserve it. We pay hard earned cash to watch teams play for entertainment.
Neither Fiala or Debrincat were had at high cost (in terms of value given up). There were several young forwards with skill available. Lou's MO has been simple: acquire players you know despite age, skill, and obvious need. He has spent assets, cap space, and roster spots on guys like Palmieri, JGP, Parise, Chara, Zajac, Greene, etc. It's Lou so there's no way of knowing what else is out there, but this is such a limited way to do business.
Bottom line is, the guys I mentioned (Debrincat, Fiala) are not Lou type players. We didn't have the cap space to sign them anyway either due to Lou's inability to move contracts or worse, not have the desire to do so.
Isles fans have become used to giving Lou a pass. We are great at playing the result and ignoring there have been issues that needed correcting. We have a GM that definitely has a type. However, what annoys me the most is that making two straight "almost" cup runs will be the sword that every Lou loyalist falls on. Almost winning the cup isn't good enough. It was clear that the Isles were several ingredients short of being true cup contenders. Lou, instead refused to make improvements and doubled down on players he has familiarity with. The only one that actually worked out has been Parise. He has displayed no creativity or understanding of what this team needs to compete. Huge disappointment.
I've said it before. Lou has done an incredible job setting the culture. He has done a horrible job acquiring necessary talent, and has brought in some pretty bad value contracts. But then again this board is filled with people that think JGP is good value.
