quote: | Originally posted by High on PSI
Not even a top draft pick can guarantee you a new franchise player. You dont need a top 5 pick every year for 2-3 years to build a good team. Sure, it helps, but it is very much possible to compete and continue building your team at the same time. NJ, DET, COL, OTT and other teams have shown that. This team is built around Mats, and if you're looking for a new player to build your team around, he doesnt have to be aquired in the draft any more. The new CBA allows for UFA for a player as young as 25 years old.
And with the new found parity in the league, any team that makes the playoffs can win the cup. Edmonton showed that by finishing in the last playoff position last year and coming only 1 win short of the cup. |
You are right...a top 5 draft pick isn't a guaranteed franchise player but when you are picking in the late teens and further back it is even less of a chance of finding someone who will even make the NHL within a few seasons.
In the "new" NHL no team has had a chance to show you can build a team at the same time as competing. Its easy to compete every year when you can go out and throw money at a position player that you need. When you have a limit to the amount of money you can spend you have to find ways to get the best bang for your buck.
Toronto has 26.5 million dollars tied up in five players this year. When half of your money is eaten up by five players it doesn't leave much room to really improve your team by signing free agents. Even with the one or two million the team might be holding back to sign someone
Mats is not going to be here when and if the leafs win another stanely cup so why not get something for him now.
Before I start putting any weight in a team finishing in 8th and making it to the finals I think it needs to happen a little more often. If I recall, all top four teams lost in the first round last year....when you have 5th through 8th place teams playing each other the games are going to be closer and the chances of success are greater.
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Last edited by Moral Hazard on Apr-26-2011 at 07:48
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