tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16918358.post6231546194105309392..comments2007-10-06T11:34:50.376-06:00Cucumbersliceshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11525653363146168135noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16918358.post-24945050845942384372007-10-06T11:34:00.000-06:002007-10-06T11:34:00.000-06:00Interesting take. I hadn't made the connection to his penchant for scooping up ex-Sutter guys, but it certainly makes sense.MetroGnomehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15679878875910837307noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16918358.post-82296877435100079652007-10-06T11:14:00.000-06:002007-10-06T11:14:00.000-06:00Great post.<BR/><BR/>I've long had a problem with Sutter's excessive risk aversion. Not only is he unwilling to take chances with younger players, but he's seemingly only willing to take a move for players for which he has had a previous relationship with. <BR/><BR/>I understand the rational behind going with guys you know and trust, but if you limit your potential pool of players to 10 year veterans and guys you coached in San Jose, you are severely limiting your opportunities and drastically decreasing your chances of making a move that significantly improves the team.<BR/><BR/>If the new NHL is about getting as many players as possible to out play their contracts, then without question Sutter's strategy is a losing one that will destine this team for mediocrity for the next several years. You need to give your team exposure to some upside, guys who have the potential to play out their minds, in order to succeed at the highest level. That means taking chances on less proven guys like Giordano and maybe, god forbid, a guy who's never played for you but shows some promise. It might work, it might not, but if you aren't making those kind of moves then you’re positioning yourself for a half decade of 7th or 8th place finishes and 1st or 2nd round exits in the playoffs. Sure, it’s an improvement over the young gun years, but having a goaltender like Kipprusof at his salary is a terrible thing to waste, and I think Sutter is pissing away a great opportunity with his refusal to take any risks.McLeahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09165834242136713347noreply@blogger.com