I wonder how patient ownership will be. I always felt the Grubauer signing kind of went against the original long term plan. I do think they are kind of still in no mans land right now unless our prospects really pop. Bubble play off team but not bad enough to get a franchise changer.
I also think ownership has one eye on the Sonics. I think it may have an effect on season tickets if the Kraken are mediocre vs the shiny new toy
I think ownership will be a little more patient, but Francis needs to show them that he is serious about making changes to improve the team rather than just waiting for things to happen, such as drafting and the prospects' panning out.
The team is genuinely lacking in talent. I am hoping Wright can continue from where he left off this season. But even then, we have bunch of good to mediocre 2nd line players. Sounds harsh but I feel that is where we are at right now. We have a good quantity of those mediocre players but its quantity over quality.
Beniers: Not a 1C yet. Good-to-Medium 2nd line C.
Eberle: Past his prime. Good 2nd line player.
Schwartz: Injured often. Mediocre 2nd line player.
Bjorkstrand: Good 2nd line player. Low-end 1st line player.
McCann: Good 2nd line player. Low-end 1st line player.
Burakovsky: Too talented to be a 3rd line player. Not good enough as a 2nd line player.
Tolvanen: Good 3rd line player. Decent 2nd line player.
Gourde: Great 3rd line player. Average 2nd line player.
My ranking is obviously subjective but we need more quality than quantity. If Francis thinks he needs to rebuild via drafting, then trade the likes of players he does not see as part of our future. I like Eberle, but I don't think re-signing him was a great idea. I don't mind the contract, or the player, just that it leaves the team as is. He should be trying to move the likes of Eberle, Schwartz, Burakovsky, Gourde. Get picks, prospects and go from there.
I don't know how much changing the coach helps. I am not a big Hakstol fan seeing the product on the ice over the last 3 years. His reliance on how effort, given the talent on the team, is laudable but requires better game preparation and coaching.