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I gave my thoughts on Blashill as we await word on his future with the organization. Exit interviews have seen Djoos and Brome (and possibly Bernier) moving on. To Yzerman’s credit, he isn’t hanging on or extending players just to fill spots. He’s building, trying different looks, and moving ahead with what seems to be working. He’s also focused on players who want to be part of the future. The GM is building a team of people committed to the rebuild and to each other. The process isn’t speedy, but it makes a huge difference. Ask anyone in Buffalo right now as the lack of commitment from top players has everyone on edge.

There are players still committed to Buffalo. Unfortunately, end of year remarks by Eichel, Reinhart, and Ristolainen show that the players that are supposed to be leading aren’t in that group. Ristolainen told reporters he’d be “fine” with a trade. Eichel openly criticized the direction the team took with his injury. He also added that when he resumes playing, “wherever that will be” to throw some more gasoline on the fire. Reinhart (who was looked at as the top center if Eichel left) was asked point blank about wanting to stay in Buffalo. “I don’t really have much to say right now…” was how he began his reply. This isn’t talk from in the room, it’s to reporters. That is a black eye for the organization.

Joe Sakic had some serious discontent in Duchene and O’Reilly just a few years back. Both were shipped out, and the team is a contender. ROR declined in Buffalo, but in St. Louis he has found his game again. Duchene went from doing well in CBJ to leaving for Nashville to focus on his music career. In 100 games he’s scored 19 goals while making some pretty hefty $$. His head just wasn’t in the right space for Colorado, and Sakic got a haul to move him.

When a team can’t even get its leaders to cooperate on camera, the room is in worse shape than what you’re seeing. The Pegulas have spent a ton of money, but haven’t been smart about it. (That may seem cruel, the ownership love hockey, but Jeff Skinner, yeesh). Taylor Hall had to leave to find his game again. It’s year after year of issues, and it’s perplexing. The reality has to be, if a player doesn’t want to be there, especially a leader, get them out of there. It’s bad for the room, bad for the morale, and ultimately bad for everyone.

I believe Yzerman won’t move on an acquisition unless he believes the person will genuinely attempt to be part of the solution. The attitude is as important as the asset. If Eichel wanted to come and be part of that, it would be exciting. But, the 2nd overall pick is more than tired of “rebuilding”. He’s probably wishing he could have stowed away with Hall at this point.

The past 6 years have seen too many franchises think they have the “instant rebuild” and just throw money around. Bad deals, poor construction and misguided expectations are seeing a couple drafts of the stars in this league on teams that can’t seem to find any post season success. There is no “instant rebuild”. Having a franchise player, man it helps. But if they aren’t going to wear the logo on their heart (as it was said of Yzerman) that means the team isn’t their top priority. GMs scramble to appease their stars and fire coaches and overspend on free agents. No one has the stomach to get any buy in if a player feels to important.

I’m grateful that Yzerman has seen a rebuild from pretty much every angle at this point. He’s been working non stop, setting expectations, and trying to make sure an entire team is created in the process. If Detroit should finally garner a first or second overall pick, it’s encouraging to see the environment being created. They will be part of something, and not just a face on the season ticket packet.

Well, where do you stand? Is it necessary to build the foundation, or is it possible to play fantasy hockey on ice? Just grab the stats and let the chips fall? Let me know in the comments.


Check out my previous blogs:

my thoughts on Blashill

your picks so far

Give me your picks and predictions

Columbus vs Detroit postgame

Columbus vs Detroit pregame

Bobby Ryan not ready to retire

Svechnikov Mic’d up

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