The last thing this team needs is another 30+ player on big money. What they need is to get younger, faster and more skilled. Sure, Tarasenko is a fine player but their cap problems are very, very real for the next few years.
100% on target, but the way to get "younger, faster, and more skilled" is almost always done through the draft....And Lou keeps trading our picks away. You think you're going to see guys like Zegras, Byfield, Beniers, Power, etc hit the trade wire? Not a shot. Trading talented players almost never happens unless it's part of a deal for a superstar.
Given how few top assets we have to trade (and the fact we actually need to move contracts), I'd say one of the few ways to actually improve the roster is going to be through FA. However Lou, or whomever is GM, would be better served to find cheaper options who outproduce their contract like Parise as opposed to bloated contracts that will only hurt us in 2-3 years.
It's not as simple as moving Bailey out and replacing him with another player in the same salary bracket. They need for find new homes for several other players as well. Martin, Clutterbuck, Lee, Palmieri and Pageau should all be gone off this roster if they are to improve. But at the same time they need to be replaced by other players making considerably less and scoring more. It's a bloody hard thing to do, but to keep on signing 30+ guys or trading away 1st round picks and prospects only ensures we're treading water...at best.
Agree, but again to the point above...Most of those players have little to no value so how are you trading them, much less improving the team when you do.
At worst, we're back in the dark ages very, very soon.
Sadly and scarily...This is becoming increasingly likely with each deal, and coach hired, that Lou makes. Legit don't understand why anyone needs to see any more of his work. The Isles a window is basically shut and with each transaction Lou makes he seems to seal it shut further.