More than anything, we need to know the quality of the team's scouting and development. Even if it costs the Sharks a higher pick, seeing the prospects make great strides, the reclamation projects working out, and the bargain bins paying off will be proof of managerial success.
I mostly disagree. Other than seeing some of the heralded prospects demonstrating appropriate development I, personally, don’t need reclamation projects or bargain bin pickups (are these the same thing?) working out over the course of this season to garner positive sentiment of management or the direction they are taking the org.
Reclamation projects and bargain acquisitions are largely a numbers game. If there was certainty about these players they wouldn’t be available cheaply or at all. Yes, it would be great if the org can find some success out of this wave of cheap additions; but should they not hit pay dirt, in totality, I still like the additions and moves made. I like that some interesting players have been added for minimal commitment and money.
I’d call this season a success if all of the following conditions are met by the end of the season:
- The majority of Eklund, Bordeleau, Thrun, Knyzhov, and Gushchin demonstrate bonafide NHL futures (want to see a top 6 future for Eklund)
- Additional draft capital is added in the top 2 rounds. Barring the moving out any recent picks, I don’t really care how this happens. Obviously I’d love this to be multiple early 1st round picks; but if the org ends up with only an additional 2nd rounder or two, I’m still happy.
- No draft capital is moved to bolster any short term results; I do want GMMG to continue picking through the waiver wire and scrap heap looking for free value - but nothing with an eye towards chasing immediate on ice results.
- By the end of this season / beginning of next season I’d like to have some clarity on what the org aims to do with the Cuda, and namely the coaching staff. McCarthy wasn’t a Grier hire - I want either confirmation McCarthy is meeting Grier’s expectations or I want Grier to bring in a staff of his choosing.