The Detroit News’s Gregg Krupa suggests that Red Wings general manager Ken Holland lacks the patience necessary for a “full rebuild,” for better or worse:
The weekend brought the solace of a clear increase in talent among the Wings’ prospects, at the development scrimmage. It also brought reconfirmation, if ever any was needed, that Holland’s approach to the rebuild remains more dutiful than eager.
It is evermore clear he is entirely unwilling to risk a 50-loss season to vastly increase the odds of drafting an assured star, like Dahlin or Hughes.
But Holland can boast that this season his strategy brought Zadina, Joe Veleno, Jonatan Berggren and Jared McIsaac, and he has five picks in the first three rounds in 12 months.
For those who expected a more vigorous approach to rebuilding the Red Wings a few seasons ago, disappointment escalates.
Holland is moving at his pace. It will hasten, somewhat, in 12 months when, making another 10 selections in the draft, Jimmy Howard, Nick Jensen, Kronwall, Gustav Nyquist and Vanek become free agents, and Cholowski, Zadina, Veleno and Givani Smith might be ready for the NHL, in Holland’s eyes.
But for now, it is a matter of getting Athanasiou, Larkin and Mantha signed, consulting with Zetterberg, opening training camp … and patience.
If KH resigns some of the FAs next year which I believe he will, this will be 3 yrs of no rebuild. He is still trying to make the playoffs, I think some are seeing his stupid plan.
No more blaming Deceased Mr I, he is just a plain liar! Sooner he is gone , the better
It’s just so deflating going into another season without any change.
All the excitement from the draft went out the window. Hopefully he keeps his word if the kids outplay the vets during training camp/preseason but forgive me if I’m skeptical.
maybe another year with fewer butts in the seats at lca will send the message to chris I that hollands version of a rebuild is unacceptable to the fans who foot the bill. Fans need hope, and entertainment, not old players, playing boring hockey, and still losing.
Hey all,
Don’t worry Kenny is the smartest guy in the room. He has it covered. The signing of two Elite Players in Vanek and Green is a stroke of genius.
And he made those two look even more desirable by giving them both NTC’s! Brilliant!
What a way to ruin a Sunday Kenny.