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In the aftermath of a trade with the Phoenix Coyotes that swapped talented prospects in Kyle Turris and David Rundblad, watchful eyes have again panned in the direction of general manager Bryan Murray.
The trade's been analyzed exhaustively, almost to the point where I want to fast forward three years from today and see just where Kyle Turris and David Rundblad are in their respective careers. As mentioned over - and over, and over - again, that's the risk you run when swapping potential for potential. Two unknowns.
What do I know about this trade right now, though? That it's improved the quality of this team in the 2011-2012 season. Kyle Turris gives this team some depth down the middle, an area they were seriously hurting past Jason Spezza. Turris might be a young prospect, but he has plenty more upside than the majority of the forwards on this roster, and with Mika Zibanejad a year away over in the SEL, it looks like #7 will play a significant role in the successes and failures of this club in Paul MacLean's first year.
Because it's improved this team in the short-run, one has to wonder if this move had a 'buyer' feel to it. Sure, it's not your classic trade-deadline deal, but the fact is Bryan Murray sent a less-polished player away for a more-refined one, and addressed a serious need in the deal. Did he overpay? Perhaps. But, it's the fact that Murray was willing to part with such a price that's a bit alarming.
See, I'm seriously beginning to wonder if Bryan Murray makes this trade if the Ottawa Senators have eight wins this season and are toiling at the absolute bottom of the National Hockey League. In a race for Nail Yakupov, does Murray package away an elite-prospect and a quality pick for Kyle Turris? Who knows. But, I can say pretty safely that it'd be a far tougher decision.
Right now, the Ottawa Senators are 16-14-4(36), sitting just inside of the top-eight in the Eastern Conference. Like it or not, 'Tank Army' lasted all of about one month. This team's played well enough to earn the respect of other teams around the league, and if they can keep pace, there's a real chance that they could reach the post-season.
Is a playoff birth likely? No. Is it impossible? Hardly. And, that's what's most frightening. This was supposed to be a rebuilding year where Bryan Murray held his annual firesale at the trade deadline to acquire numerous assets. With each passing win, it's looking less and less likely that he'll be willing to part with players who currently shape this roster, even if their departure at the trade deadline will help this club in the long-run.
Bryan Murray has to first decide whether or not this run is a fluke, and then has to decide whether it's better for this team to move some assets come February 27th, 2012. It would seem obvious to the astute observer that the 'right' move is to get away from a playoff pipe dream, but knowing Bryan Murray's desire to win, one could see him trending in the opposite direction.
If you're asking for my opinion, Bryan Murray could and should package away players whose return in assets can help this rebuild turn into a sustainable business model - one that turns a profit, one that wins hockey games.
As enjoyable as this early stretch of puck has been, you have to imagine that the team is due for a regression, even if a slight one. The absolute dagger would be to watch this team finish 10th or 11th in the East, far away from a quality pick, and still outside of the playoff-picture.
Back with more tomorrow.
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