I could imagine complete turmoil if this coaching staff returns next season, firstly Branch would have his hands full convincing drafted players to report and I could see more than a few players wanting out. Could you imagine Branch making the pitch to our drafted players, well, Matos and company took us from last place a year ago to second last place this season with a better team than a year ago.
Although they improved by one place in the standings from year to year, would look at the result of the team specifically from year to year:
Year Wins Points GF GA Net diff
2015-16 16 38 183 328 -145
2014-15 12 26 149 323 -174
Really not much different given the BIG changes they made this season and the layers they relied on.
What I have seen and heard was how the team was fragmented from the start. There is a pecking order, no matter where you get drafted. Rookies have small tasks to perform off the ice, etc. This was not the case this year. Rookies had no rules to follow and were allowed to speak out of turn whenever they felt like it.
This caused plenty of smaller groups to form inside the team which caused little unity. There was far too much individuals on this team and were only here for themselves. One instance was Levin when he scored last weekend when they Wolves were already down by 5-6 goals against Barrie...he celebrated like he won the Stanley Cup. Little things like that show where they are at.
I like Levin and will be a great player, but needs the right mentorship, whether it be a veteran player or a coaching staff.
Just my observation and hearing things once the season ended.