The evaluation of Ron Francis’ offseason efforts (which are not yet complete) and consideration for adding another player or 2 like Jiri Hudler partly depends on what the goal is. Is this summer part of a gradual rebuilding process that might take another season or 2? Or is there a modest amount of urgency to build upon the 2015-16 season and at least push into the playoffs.
This is not an all or none decision, but my sense is that Francis leans fairly heavily toward prioritizing ‘the process’ over the 2016-17 season. At least that I have heard, he has not said this directly as an either/or type of choice, but Francis has continued be very consistent in talking about his goal to build from within with youth. I detailed the volume of forwards either new to the NHL or pushing up into bigger roles on August 19. The situation is the same on the blue line where the young guns will be given even bigger responsibilities in 2016-17. The situation as it stands right now very clearly says that the next rise up the standings and into the playoffs come from improvement within the organization not from pulling in help from outside of it.
In terms of being methodical, strategic, patient, consistent and all of those good things, Ron Francis deserves a ton of credit. The question is whether this approach is out of touch with the local fan base that seemed to lose its appetite for patience over the last 2 seasons as measured by attendance. The reports this summer on season ticket sales are positive, but at this point increases are measured from a base that was hacked away at over the couple previous summers. It is more gut instinct than math, but my impression is that there are not nearly enough of us who can be sold on hope, futures and promising but relatively unproven players like Noah Hanifin and Sebastian Aho. I think a significant portion of the fan base returns only after actual winning and not because of hope for it.
The questions are many:
* Is it just a matter of patiently riding out this down time and making sure that the next playoff berth is the first of many that rebuilds the fan base?
* Or is there a need to push a bit harder for the playoffs that seem to be within reach to stop the slide where it is now?
* Etc., etc., etc.
What do you think?
Loading ...
Loading ...
Loading ...
Go Canes!
Makes it frustrating for the fan base but the bigger picture of building to compete consistently thru a well stocked farm system is far more important than “win at all cost now”. All of us know the shape JR left the franchise in by dealing away futures.
I think Francis wants to win now as much as the fans want to see this happen. The view that he is methodical, patient, strategic etc, might just be a result of his being held to a tight budget with the team up for sale.
Francis cannot be expected to take a team that spends to the floor and make them perennial playoff contenders. You can make the playoffs every once in a while doing this, but its not sustainable (Of course JR proved that even if you spend near the cap, playoffs are not guaranteed). The cupboard was bare when Francis took over and I think he doing the best he can with the resources he’s got available to him.
I think its going to be really ugly this year at the box office if the team struggles early. And with this roster and schedule, there is a good chance this might happen.
I think what this team really needs is a change in ownership. I know that I won’t spend as much $ on Canes tickets as I used to until that happens.
No effort to win. Good job saving money!
…not my priorities
re-signed Ward…enough said!
In answer to the question about whether RF was kept from spending enough to improve this team… until I hear otherwise, I don’t see RF has any urgency to have a playoff-capable team !! His mini-moves and cheap acquisitions indicate more interest in saving money, and no interest in trying to win!
He has not said he’s been forced to be cheap, sooooo if it quacks like a duck, THEN it’s a duck!
After missing the playoffs for EVER… I’d think RF would be a little more concerned, worried about his fan-base, his job?
Apparently he feels he can take US for granted!
My patience is nearing an end… No playoffs THIS YEAR No More STs bought by me!