Would Losing In 2009-10 Benefit Carolina Hurricanes Over The Long Haul?
by Cory Lavalette on Sep 23, 2009 3:34 PM EDT
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PrintComing off an appearance in the Eastern Conference Finals, the Carolina Hurricanes and their fans have high hopes for 2009-10. On top of retaining most of last year's squad, GM Jim Rutherford infused some much-needed grit and experience with the addition of role players Aaron Ward, Tom Kostopoulos and Stephane Yelle.
For the first time in a long time, the future looks extremely bright as well. Forwards Zack Boychuk, Brandon Sutter and Drayson Bowman lead a group of young, front-line latent that should make Carolina's AHL affiliate in Albany the most competitive it's been since becoming the Hurricanes' farm team. On defense, Brett Carson, Jamie McBain and Bryan Rodney are all on the cusp of being NHLers, with oft-injured Casey Borer not far behind if he can recover from his latest setback. Goalies Mike Murphy and Justin Peters are both legitimate NHL prospects that provide depth in net.
Outside of the pro ranks, college players Zac Dalpe, Brian Dumoulin and Kyle Lawson are promising, while 2009 first-round pick Phillipe Paradis will look to build on his resume in the QMJHL this season. The Canes even scoured Europe and came away with a few draft-worthy players over the past year.
While the cupboard isn't stocked with can't-miss talent, it's fair to say it's more full than it has been in years.
And it has to be, because following this season there will likely be several openings for young players in Raleigh. Boychuk, Bowman, McBain, Rodney, Carson and Peters or Murphy could all be skating at the RBC Center in 2010-11. When those players graduate to the NHL, it will leave a void in the system that must be refilled with more young talent. That task is easier said than done.
Which brings us to the topic at hand: Would the Hurricanes be better off long term if they had an unsuccessful 2009-10?
I don't think anyone — the team or the fans — wants to see another step-back season as has been the norm following a successful campaign. But if there's ever been a year to struggle and fall out of playoff contention, this year may be it. Why? Because, as mentioned above, the Hurricanes have several players whose contracts expire, and their value at the trade deadline could further replenish the team with prospects and draft picks. Let's jump into a worst case scenario and take a look at who is in the final year of their deal and what they might fetch at the deadline if Carolina becomes a seller:
- Ray Whitney: The Wizard is in the final year of a three-year contract that has paid him $3.55 million per season. He is value personified. Since joining the Hurricanes in 2005-06, Whitney has 276 points in 292 games. His playmaking ability, knack for big goals and status as a veteran presence would make him a hot commodity on the block. Comparable: Veteran Mark Recchi (now 41) was older than Whitney (36) at last year's deadline, plus not as productive, and Tampa Bay got prospects Matt Lashoff and Martins Karsums for Recchi and a second-round pick. Whitney would surely fetch a better return. Trade Deadline Value: First-round pick; or high-level prospect; or second-round pick and mid-level prospect.
- Matt Cullen: In Carolina, Cullen has always found a way to be a productive contributor. His stints elsewhere were not as successful. Cullen will be 33 in November, so he is still in his prime even if age begins to catch up with him some. He's been a consistent 40-point producer since the lockout and has value as a point man on the power play, plus he can kill penalties if needed. Comparable: The Sabres sent winger Ales Kotalik to Edmonton for a second-round pick at last year's deadline. Kotalik has had a few bigger seasons than Cullen, but for the most part is a similar player who utilizes his size more than Cullen, but is not nearly as quick. Trade Deadline Value: Second- or third-round pick.
- Scott Walker: The gritty Walker isn't the point-producer he was once upon a time, and injuries have been a concern in recent seasons, but there's certainly value in what he brings to the table. Comparable: At the 2008 deadline, the Blackhawks dealt veteran Martin Lapointe to Ottawa for a sixth-round pick. He was making $2.4 million at the time, meaning the team paid around $500,000 for his services. At $2.5 million a season, Walker would take up a similar amount of cap space and payroll if he was dealt at the deadline. Trade Deadline Value: Late-round pick
- Stephane Yelle: The newcomer signed a one-year deal for a bargain $550,000. Yelle's value goes beyond the scoresheet: he's a solid fourth-line pivot who can kill penalties and is a decent faceoff man. Comparable: Minnesota dealt veteran center Jim Dowd to Colorado for a fourth-round pick in 2006. That was a pretty good return for Dowd, a reliable, but limited, veteran by that time. Trade Deadline Value: Late-round pick.
- Joe Corvo: A defenseman who has mostly shed his mistake-prone reputation and is still a weapon on offense and the power play? Yeah, those are always in high demand. Throw in that he's a right-handed shot — which is always coveted — and you have a prime bargaining chip. Comparable: It was tough to find a player who was moved at the deadline that is like Corvo. The best example might be when Philadelphia dealt Alexei Zhitnik to Atlanta for Braydon Coborn. Trouble is, people realized that was an overpayment by Atlanta the second the trade was made. Trade Deadline Value: Late first-round pick; or high second-round pick; or very good prospect; or second-round pick and mid-level prospect.
- Aaron Ward: Tons of playoff experience and a vocal leader, Ward would be a nice addition to any team that's not afraid to add a big personality to their room. Comparable: The Blue Jackets sent Adam Foote back to Colorado for a first-round pick and a conditional fourth, another example of a desperate team overpaying for a player. Trade Deadline Value: Third-round pick or mid-level prospect.
- Niclas Wallin: At this stage of his career, Wallin is a third-pairing d-man that would likely be acquired for depth purposes. Still, he's played in two Stanley Cup Finals and another Eastern Conference Final. Comparable: Columbus dealt veteran Luke Richardson to Toronto at the 2006 trade deadline for a conditional pick (fifth in 2006 or fourth in 2007). Trade Deadline Value: Late-round pick
Reserves Tim Conboy, Michael Ryan and Jay Harrison would likely have little value at the deadline, as would backup goalie Michael Leighton.
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Cory- this is quite ambitious, and I can seriously appreciate the look at all angles approach, but you’re killin’ me. :- You know I love your thoughtful approach, but something about talking about this- right now, creeps me out.
I feel the same way; i feel really eerie after reading this article :(
by tommyboy6286 on Sep 23, 2009 10:19 PM EDT up reply actions
sniff sniff sniff.
I’ll get back to you when I can stop crying…
Let's go Canes!
Hakkaa Paalle!
by Carolyn Christians on Sep 23, 2009 4:01 PM EDT reply actions
I still think they should have tanked last season!!!
Just kidding, sort of. About January of last year I was saying the exact same thing. A late run in the regular season, and a playoff victory, or two, kind of shut me up. That said, Whitney and Cullen have plenty of value. The reason I was so in favor of the break up last season is that Whitney and Cullen had higher value last season because they had this year left on their contract. A year and a half of Whitney at 3.55? That’s likely a first and a mid-level to decent prospect. A year and a half of Cullen is perhaps another first round pick.
Just trading those two, and possibly stopping at the Williams for O’Sullivan deal (assuming family issues would let O’Sullivan play here) could have netted a first line of Staal Ruutu and Bowman, a Second line of Sutter, Boychuk, and Bowman. Brindy, Rosey and Sammy on the third line and three picks in the first round last season.
way-way-way-wait a minute, C-Leaguer! As I recall you were ready to trade Ruutu back in July.
SILENCE !!! No more of this foolishness! Stop it.
Let's go Canes!
Hakkaa Paalle!
by Carolyn Christians on Sep 23, 2009 4:11 PM EDT up reply actions
Two things
1) Was I behind this idea of trading Ruutu, or just discussing it? I don’t remember wanting to ditch him at that time, but I know there was some discussion about bringing in a wing to play with Staal, which would have been Ruutu’s spot. I wouldn’t doubt that I was in favor of a trade in a certain circumstance, but I don’t remember it right now.
2) I totally forgot about Corvo!!! Trade him too last year, put McBain in that spot now. Corvo last year would have brought in equal value as Whitney. Now we’re up to four first round picks and two second round picks and a couple of prospects!!
Yeah, meant O’Sullivan on the second line, but got distracted about the line I wanted to see more of in training camp this year. There really needs to be an edit feature on these posts.
The company line is that it helps keep things copacetic so people can't change the past.
Remember when the Panthers had a good offensive line? Yeah, me too.
--Darin Gantt
by MichaelProcton on Sep 23, 2009 10:10 PM EDT up reply actions
LOL!! very observant (I quit reading when I saw he was joining in on Cory’s proposals)
Let's go Canes!
Hakkaa Paalle!
by Carolyn Christians on Sep 23, 2009 4:21 PM EDT up reply actions
Take all of those trades, and those lines. Four first round picks last year and two seconds plus two prospects for moving out Williams (who was moved anyway), Whitney, Cullen and Corvo. O’Sullivan is a home town boy, how great would that be to have here? Also, how many of the picks would you be willing to have given up for Tavares? The fourth line could have been Eaves, Yelle, and Kostopolous. D of Gleason and McBain, Pitkanen and Babchuk, Wallin and Rodney. It wouldn’t have been as good as this team is now, but it sure wouldn’t have been terrible.
The ’Canes certainly tanked last year, they just waited until the Conference Finals to do it.
by drifterscape on Sep 23, 2009 10:06 PM EDT up reply actions
Dear hockey gods, please don't take this the wrong way.
This hurts on so many levels. I certainly don’t want to see this team fall apart and, even if it did, I would really like Wallin, Walker and Whitney (and to a lesser extent, A.Ward) retire as a Cane.
However, I’m not sure the situation is as pressing as it looks initially. Paradis, Dalpe, et al are going to take a little bit of time to become NHL ready so we’re not looking at having them all move to the next level at the same time (i.e. next year). That overlap gives us some time to build up a good pool of talent again. Plus, I wouldn’t be surprised to see at least 3 of the guys on the last year of their contract resigned for another season or so.
Now I have to go find a way to appease the hockey gods…
Now I have to go find a way to appease the hockey gods…
I could go get another “Cory” catfish and flush him down the toilet?
Let's go Canes!
Hakkaa Paalle!
by Carolyn Christians on Sep 23, 2009 4:12 PM EDT up reply actions
counter point
Cory and I chatted about this topic over a couple of beers the other night and I see he has given it much more in-depth thought. :-)
Since we are hypothesizing, a couple of things I might add.
1. If the Canes were in such a poor position to be completely out of playoff contention at the trade deadline, (at or near last place), then many of the mentioned players would have lower trade value than they have right now because their performances to that point probably would have been very poor (or they might be injured).
2. Also, keep in mind that management has spent close to the max in salaries this preseason and if the team stinks this year, attendance would undoubtedly drop and without playoff income, the team would lose possibly ten’s of millions. Not a good thing for the long haul or the short haul.
GM of CanesCountry.com
Those are also two great reasons for why it should have been done last year ;-!
Also, how does one get invited to one of these conversations?
Embrace big ideas!
You should have been there. The bartender was originally from Buffalo and he had plenty of input.
GM of CanesCountry.com
would this have been at Buffalo Brothers on Capital? I worked there for a couple of years, great great place by the way. All of management was from Buffalo and half the wait staff as well, they put on a good show and make it kinda hard to hate the slugs. I got a good friend from there whos a diehard sabres fan and while he likes to drink and talk smack at games its all in good fun, hes a great guy and a great guy to watch/talk hockey with. We (canescountry) should definitely plan an outting there, maybe Canes at Sabres. You can even order the Buffalo original “Beef on weck”, and chase it down with a cold draft on the outdoor patio all while watching Ward own Miller!
Great place to go watch hockey!!!
UNLESS… you are trying to watch the Canes while the Wings and Sabres are playing….
Oh well… a good season all the way through will change that.
by packpigskinfan25 on Sep 24, 2009 1:08 AM EDT up reply actions
I live pretty close to there and we go pretty often (a few times a year). My wife is from Buffalo and we took my mother-in-law (who still live there) there once … and she saw someone she knew! Crazy ….
by Cory Lavalette on Sep 24, 2009 8:43 AM EDT up reply actions
Have you ever tried Blinco’s? It’s another Buffalo place, has Beef on Wek, and is pretty good for watching Canes games.
Embrace big ideas!
yep … but since they moved they’re too far away from me/
by Cory Lavalette on Sep 24, 2009 11:24 AM EDT up reply actions
Great read Cory, some interesting things to ponder.
As much as it hurts to lose old friends, sometimes you need to for personal growth… but you’ll always remember the good times and sometimes they’ll come back into your life (Ronny Franchise).
The Canes have been through times of plenty and times of drought and we as fans endure. While it would hurt to have a bad season in the W and L columns it could potentially ganvinize and strengthen the core. If we magically underperform this season, then I can advocate pulling the trigger, though it may hurt in the short term.
Of course, this line of reasoning is predicated on the notion that we are going to underperform, and I don’t think this is going to be the case.
Cat Scratch Reader's resident optimist.
I still think Puck Daddy is gonna have one of his oh-so-sardonic one-liners on this when he links it tomorrow.
Let's go Canes!
Hakkaa Paalle!
by Carolyn Christians on Sep 23, 2009 5:12 PM EDT reply actions
Playoff Bound....
We’ll I personally think this year is going to be awsome!!! I’ve already stopped giving my kids there weekly allowance so I can save up money for playoff tickets for me and my wife. LETS GO CANES!!!!
I’ve already stopped giving my kids there weekly allowance so I can save up money for playoff tickets for me and my wife
that’s awesome!
Makes me wish I had kids so I could do the same thing. Is that a bad reason to have children?
Embrace big ideas!
To deny them allowance?
Yeah, I think so. Ha.
Remember when the Panthers had a good offensive line? Yeah, me too.
--Darin Gantt
by MichaelProcton on Sep 24, 2009 11:51 AM EDT up reply actions
I can’t see any positive to losing—I know your not advocating tanking the season, but there is nothing good that comes out of a losing season. Even with getting Staal and Ward as mid-to-high draft picks after bad seasons it took some time for them to pay off. Four first round picks and some prospects are still unknown quantities and still years from producing at the NHL level. Rutherford has patiently built the farm system to replace some of the vets whose contracts are up next year; there are also talented young players ready to work their way to Albany.
This team was built to go deep in the playoffs and—after getting bigger and more physical to compete specifically with Washington and Pittsburgh, two teams in the East that are clearly more offensively skilled than the Canes—to potentially play for the Cup. I really think that St Jimmy will get us a sniper to play alongside Staal, and could make one of the moves above to do it.
Invigorating post, Cory, and well thought out. This will be a long thread :)
“but there is nothing good that comes out of a losing season” Unless you get to draft Crosby and Malkin, or Ovechkin, Semin, and Backstrom, or you lose it up like Chicago and you draft Toews, Kane, Keith, etc…………. Being a good loser makes you a good winner. You have to know how to lose to know how to win. Hows that for being cliche?
L.A. too … they’re going to be scary good
by Cory Lavalette on Sep 24, 2009 8:43 AM EDT up reply actions
"Staal and Ward as mid-to-high draft picks"
Ward was 25 overall in 2002, the year we went to the finals against Detroit: good season, low pick.
Staal scored 100 points in his second NHL season (albeit, 3rd pro) – didn’t take him that long to pan out.
Stephan Weiss – now there’s a cat that took his jolly time to develope!
Sorry, had to point those out, but I get your point. :-]
I can’t see any positive to losing—I know your not advocating tanking the season, but there is nothing good that comes out of a losing season. Even with getting Staal and Ward as mid-to-high draft picks after bad seasons it took some time for them to pay off. Four first round picks and some prospects are still unknown quantities and still years from producing at the NHL level. Rutherford has patiently built the farm system to replace some of the vets whose contracts are up next year; there are also talented young players ready to work their way to Albany.
This team was built to go deep in the playoffs and—after getting bigger and more physical to compete specifically with Washington and Pittsburgh, two teams in the East that are clearly more offensively skilled than the Canes—to potentially play for the Cup. I really think that St Jimmy will get us a sniper to play alongside Staal, and could make one of the moves above to do it.
Invigorating post, Cory, and well thought out. This will be a long thread :)
Ummmm… Not likeing this article too much.. I was sooo excited for the season… this kinda took alittle away of my enthusiasm for the year.. ;(
by RU4RU on Sep 23, 2009 10:33 PM EDT via mobile reply actions
Wow! I think this is blasphemy! The right time???
by hotchipsnsalsa on Sep 24, 2009 10:58 AM EDT reply actions
OUCH!!!!!!!!!!
THIS ARTICLE SUCKS THE VERY ESSENCE OUT OF WHAT IS SUPPOSED TO BE A WIN AT ALL COSTS MANTRA THAT THIS TEAM HAS SLOWLY CULTIVATED OVER THE PAST SEASONS. I CANNOT EVEN DISCUSS THE THOUGHT OF LOSING BEING A GOOD THING FOR ANY FRANCHISE. IT JUST GOES AGAINST THE GRAIN OF EVERYTHING I HOLD SACRED IN SPORT…………..JUST WIN BABY.
We’re here to provide a (mostly) objective look at the team. We’re not a rah-rah vehicle for the Hurricanes. Do Bob and I have our allegiances to the Canes as fans? Yes … but that doesn’t mean as writers on this blog we don’t take a fair look at the team and league and try to give the readers an unbiased view.
As a fan of the team, this was a difficult article to write. As a writer, it is a subject worth discussing. To say teams don’t make decisions like this every year is silly. The Canes have made a decision to try and compete for a Cup this year (I never insinuated that the team was trying to lose this year — that’s an entirely different topic not relevant to this year’s team). But there are plenty of teams out there that didn’t make moves this offseason simply b/c they knew they had no shot at having big-time success and think it’s better to build through the draft — which is easier with high draft picks and extra picks received through fire sales.
Personally, I don’t see it happening. This is a playoff team if things go as planned. But so was the 2006-07 team. As they say, that’s why they play the games.
by Cory Lavalette on Sep 24, 2009 11:34 AM EDT up reply actions
Just because some other teams may be discussing this, it doesn't mean this team should.
We can all go turn on the television and get all the bad stuff in the world anytime we want. I like to think of this site as a sanctuary where Canes fans can chat. Rah Rah if you want to call it. That does not mean I am not objective.
I have been watching hockey for more than thirty years. I am as qualified as anyone in this area to discuss this team objectively. I know a good team when I see one. Last year, I was not happy with the play at the beginning of the year and was critical of the team at that time. I also called it correctly when they got Cole back, that team would be transformed into an upper level team again. I was not at all surprised by their surge in the playoffs last year. Just because we have a good team, and we root for the Canes here, it does not mean we are ignorant homers. Objectively, we have a very good team this year. As we did last year.
This team looks stronger to me than last year’s squad. I like the fact that JR is so good at what he does. All this was done within the rules of the NHL and without the benefit of a number one OVERALL pick.
I didn’t say you said they should lose. I said the suggestion that any team would or should not invest in their team is such a downer, I am glad that the Canes do not operate that way.
The Washington Nationals were a last place team with or without Adam Dunn and his 10 million dollar salary but they still put out that cash. Even if you aren’t going to the playoffs, you still have to put a competitive product out there or you will wreck your fan base. Not to mention your brand. That can have ramifications for years to come. Why would any team risk that to then sign a high draft pick to a multi million dollar contract that may not pan out(Ryan Leaf, Doug Wickenheizer) That is a bad strategy. The Penguins got their stars that way, I am proud to say the Canes did not. This is one of the Charms of this team. It is also one of the reasons that so many people hate the Pens. I think many fans recognize that that team was built on bad play and high draft picks. Sort of makes a championship a bit like kissing your sister. Anyone can root for the big boys(Yankees and the Red Socks) and you will likely have a winning season. I choose to root for the underdogs. I have my entire life. When the Canes won in 2006, it was the first time one of my favorite teams actually won. They won without a line of number one picks, they did it on a limited budget and they beat all comers.
I guess your article just hits me the wrong way. The season hasn’t even started and you are pointing out players that the Canes can dump and get good picks in return. If it comes to that, I will think about it in 2010. I pay for season tickets to see wins not to rebuild the farm system.
This topic just seems out of place. Something I would read on TSN not Canes Country.
Perhaps I am just nieve. I grew up in a time when “YOU PLAY TO WIN THE GAME”. I think Jim Rutherford and Paul Maurice are from that generation too. THANK GOODNESS.
Bad topic. Don’t piss on my leg and tell me it is raining.
The headline was pretty clear … if you didn’t want to read about the topic, don’t read about it.
To say that anybody knows how any team in the league is going to do this year is silly. Everything is speculation. This team has the look of a playoff team, I’ve said it a million times. Does that means it’s a lock? No team is a lock for the postseason. Not even Detroit or Pittsburgh.
I surely hope the team is playing to win every night. I expect it as a season ticket holder. The article was never about that. It was about how this is a pivotal year, one way or the other. There is going to be a huge roster turnover after this year. A first-round exit in the postseason would be a failure, IMO. And it would be doubly damaging because the team would be losing a lot of players and getting nothing in return.
If you’re going to roll in with some all caps response about how I’m undercutting the team, expect a response. Especially if your response indicates you didn’t make an effort to read what I wrote.
by Cory Lavalette on Sep 24, 2009 10:13 PM EDT up reply actions
I read it alright.
I get your point………….I don’t think it is appropriate to talk about failure at this time of year. Have some faith in JR. He will make the right moves no matter what happens. He is not going to mortgage the future unless he really thinks they will win the cup.
It is kind of fun getting you mad at me. Relax.
I don’t think anyone here means to imply that you’re a d-bag for writing the article. It was well thought-out and represents a scenario that the team may have to face if they’re 13th in the conference in January. It’s preseason, and all the Caniacs heads are filled with thoughts of domination and PP goals, grilled brats and cold beer, and Lord Stanley’s Cup in all of our front yards filled with champagne. Good on you for going against the grain, and I still believe that St Jimmy will make an unpopular move of a popular player to get our offense ramped up. How do you spell Corvo?
Interesting exercise and well executed.
Elements of this could still be triggered, even with team success.
Suppose someone in Albany is having such a year that we would be insane not to add them to the playoff push mix? Who goes to make room for them? What are they worth, if not going to be utilized on the ice?
Factor in expanded roster timing issues and “insurance” benefits of having extra bodies available for the playoffs and the GM’ing gets even more complex.
Still, don’t think the front office doesn’t have a trade value pinned on every single body that we own. It’s just good asset management.
Canes 09-10 season
Say what you want, we shall see. As I recall a lot of teams sign big name players to a 1 year contract.
robert
I dunno, but right now, as an outsider, I see the ‘Canes as a top 10 team in the NHL and arguably the third best team in the East (It’s either Carolina, Boston or Philly).
I know the Canes management is playing as a team of the present when they go out and sign someone like Stephan Yelle. He’s a roleplayer (has been for years) who fills a need on a top notch team…
Let's go Caps!
sorry….still laughing at your comment….so true!!!! HAHAHA
by PittsburghCaniac on Sep 24, 2009 11:52 PM EDT up reply actions
That the same Patrick Eaves who's played 73+ games two of the last three years?
Just checking.
Remember when the Panthers had a good offensive line? Yeah, me too.
--Darin Gantt
by MichaelProcton on Sep 25, 2009 3:52 AM EDT up reply actions
On the contrary, I couldn’t be more excited the hockey season is thisclose.
by Cory Lavalette on Sep 24, 2009 3:55 PM EDT up reply actions
It is so nice...
I’ve been reading this and the Panthers blog on here for awhile but have never posted. It is so nice after reading all the “Sky is falling” and “We have no dt’s” posts on the Panthers blog to come here and read about our lovely Canes and how everyone’s so optimistic. Even in discussing an improbable terrible season, everyone is so happy and optimistic! I am very excited for opening night as well as for the first win for a professional NC sports team since May, preseason or not.
Interesting Post. While some are not to eager to talk about the subject, you have to leave the door cracked. What if Staal or Cam got hurt for an extended period of time? The team could possibly make it through, but the odds would not be good. If that happens, you have to explore all options. Sometimes the unpopular decision (or article) is the one that needs to be made (or posted).
P.S. I still would like to trade Samsonov even though his contract isn’t expiring.
Great article Cory!
I truly appreciate the fact that you are writing honestly and taking into account possibilities that most fans of this team would use the proverbial “ear muffs” for (sorry for the Wedding Crashers cliché). I love being a "Rah Rah GO CANES" fan, but I enjoy reading all viewpoints.
In response to your article, I don’t think missing the playoffs this year will help us. No matter what happens this season, we cannot possibly be bad enough to win in losing. You have to be the best at losing to make that work. You may laugh at me over this comment, but it reminds me of Golf:
If you miss a shot and slice it, don’t put it in the trees on the side of the fairway where you have no shot because of a bunch of branches, you will still struggle there. Alternatively, hit that slice soooo bad that you are on the next holes fairway and have a shot back in. Its a matter of tanking bad enough to have a shot at being rewarded- that is dissimilar to earning a few late first round picks at best.
Ok, that analogy was pitiful (and painful to write)….but……
That is kind of what happened to the Pens, they tanked bad enough to be rewarded with Crosby, Malkin, and Fleury.
In conclusion…if anyone is still reading my terrible post…..this team is simply not capable of playing bad enough to be rewarded in a way that is truly beneficial. They stand to lose money, and more importantly, JR’s current budget if they poop the bed this year. There will be no #1 draft pick at the end of the tunnel, at the very best, only a few late first round picks that will take years to develop.
Kudos for the article; it is a prime example of why I love canescountry… perspectives!!!!!!
by PittsburghCaniac on Sep 25, 2009 1:20 AM EDT reply actions
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