Michael Stuart: Taking a Stand for Steve Yzerman

Since when are you blogging for the lightning??

Since when are you blogging for the lightning??
- kneughter

Since October....

Since October....
- Michael_Stuart

Slow start

Slow start
- kneughter

I'm not following.

???

???
- Michael_Stuart

There wasn't any hockey until January...

There wasn't any hockey until January...
- kneughter

Ah, well I had some fun blogging during the lockout. It was good to talk about players, roles, rookies, and everything else.

Well done. Couldn't have said it better myself. I think hockey fans and Lightning fans needed to be reminded that he's in this thing for the long haul and not to win quickly and bugger off.

Well done. Couldn't have said it better myself. I think hockey fans and Lightning fans needed to be reminded that he's in this thing for the long haul and not to win quickly and bugger off.
- Artyukhin76

Yes sir. He's building a winner. He won't take shortcuts. He's doing this the right way. End of story.

Can’t agree with you more. The people who want to blame Yzerman are the people who think Lawton was a great GM. He won’t do a knee jerk reaction to anything. He is patient, which can and will drive some fans nuts, but that how he operates. Old regimes would have made 20 trades and we wouldn’t know who was who and whether we are coming or going. If I remember correctly Tyrell was our only groomed prospect that came up from the AHL, now there is a list of guys that are true prospects not just bodies filling in. No one deserves credit more for that then Yzerman and Brisebois.

Overall, I am pleased with the job Yzerman's done. Our organizational depth has been significantly improved, especially with some of the young free agent signings (Johnson, Conacher, Sustr). The organization overall appears to be much stronger than when he took office. I would have to say the jury is still out in a few areas:

1. Drafting - naturally, this will take more time to figure out since Yzerman has been here just under 3 years. We do appear to have some good prospects, but the reality is Radko Gudas is the only pick from the 3 drafts (10, 11, 12) Yzerman has presided over to make a significant contribution thus far (unless you count Palat).
2. Goaltending - this is still an area of weakness. He attempted to address it with Lindback, and maybe he will turn out to be the answer, but it's still a big ? mark.
3. Defense - much like goaltending, this is still an area of weakness though he did attempt to address it by adding Carle and Salo. Gudas has been a big positive thus far, but the defense is still below average.
4. Coaching - Boucher initially looked like a gem, but ended up being fired in his 3rd season. Time will tell if the Cooper hiring was the right decision, but at least Yzerman had an opportunity to work with him for a couple of years before making this move, something he obviously didn't have before hiring Boucher.

Yzerman is still learning how to be a GM.

And although I don't think he'll ever be as good a GM as he was a player, he'll get better with time.

If one of the young goalies in the system turn out, his building plans will look a lot better. If they don't, the money spent on Salo and Carle will look like it should have been spent elsewhere.

Yes sir. He's building a winner. He won't take shortcuts. He's doing this the right way. End of story.
- Michael_Stuart

After the ownership style of the two previous cowboys and since Mr Vinik has purchased the team its all been positive. Yzerman has been given the mandate to Build a team and hes doing just that. If everyone wants to look at successes and failures after three years they are shortsighted. We could pick apart every GM here and find that they all have failures. Hindsight is always 20/20. Great article Michael.

Overall, I am pleased with the job Yzerman's done. Our organizational depth has been significantly improved, especially with some of the young free agent signings (Johnson, Conacher, Sustr). The organization overall appears to be much stronger than when he took office. I would have to say the jury is still out in a few areas:

1. Drafting - naturally, this will take more time to figure out since Yzerman has been here just under 3 years. We do appear to have some good prospects, but the reality is Radko Gudas is the only pick from the 3 drafts (10, 11, 12) Yzerman has presided over to make a significant contribution thus far (unless you count Palat).
2. Goaltending - this is still an area of weakness. He attempted to address it with Lindback, and maybe he will turn out to be the answer, but it's still a big ? mark.
3. Defense - much like goaltending, this is still an area of weakness though he did attempt to address it by adding Carle and Salo. Gudas has been a big positive thus far, but the defense is still below average.
4. Coaching - Boucher initially looked like a gem, but ended up being fired in his 3rd season. Time will tell if the Cooper hiring was the right decision, but at least Yzerman had an opportunity to work with him for a couple of years before making this move, something he obviously didn't have before hiring Boucher.
- simon17

So in short form "Yzerman you suck at ALMOST everything". His drafting has been great with Palat, Gudas, Connolly, Vasilevski, etc. do you even look at boltprospects.com? Our defensive issues are because of Boucher and his stick-waving lessons and goaltending. Yzermans only REAL "fault" lies between the pipes and I believe he has corrected that with Lindback. Yes it took him awhile to get used to more action, but the 6 games before his injury he had allowed 2 or less goal against. Michael's blog about Yzerman was written for "fans"like you.

Overall, I am pleased with the job Yzerman's done. Our organizational depth has been significantly improved, especially with some of the young free agent signings (Johnson, Conacher, Sustr). The organization overall appears to be much stronger than when he took office. I would have to say the jury is still out in a few areas:

1. Drafting - naturally, this will take more time to figure out since Yzerman has been here just under 3 years. We do appear to have some good prospects, but the reality is Radko Gudas is the only pick from the 3 drafts (10, 11, 12) Yzerman has presided over to make a significant contribution thus far (unless you count Palat).
2. Goaltending - this is still an area of weakness. He attempted to address it with Lindback, and maybe he will turn out to be the answer, but it's still a big ? mark.
3. Defense - much like goaltending, this is still an area of weakness though he did attempt to address it by adding Carle and Salo. Gudas has been a big positive thus far, but the defense is still below average.
4. Coaching - Boucher initially looked like a gem, but ended up being fired in his 3rd season. Time will tell if the Cooper hiring was the right decision, but at least Yzerman had an opportunity to work with him for a couple of years before making this move, something he obviously didn't have before hiring Boucher.
- simon17

Probably the most honest and accurate post regarding Yzerman and the Bolts. Lots of work to do.

Probably the most honest and accurate post regarding Yzerman and the Bolts. Lots of work to do.
- systemtool

Another drive-by comment from a someone who doesn't know poop about our team.

Another drive-by comment from a someone who doesn't know poop about our team.
- Artyukhin76

Im sorry you feel the need to suggest that Im ignorant just because you disagree with people.

Im sorry you feel the need to suggest that Im ignorant just because you disagree with people.
- systemtool

You're ignorant because you have no clue what happens with our system other then what tsn tells you. I bet right now you're going out and looking at stuff just prove me wrong.

So in short form "Yzerman you suck at ALMOST everything". His drafting has been great with Palat, Gudas, Connolly, Vasilevski, etc. do you even look at boltprospects.com? Our defensive issues are because of Boucher and his stick-waving lessons and goaltending. Yzermans only REAL "fault" lies between the pipes and I believe he has corrected that with Lindback. Yes it took him awhile to get used to more action, but the 6 games before his injury he had allowed 2 or less goal against. Michael's blog about Yzerman was written for "fans"like you.

- Artyukhin76

Why do you always attempt to be so confrontational, we both support the same team? I am a "fan" just like you, and have been since I moved here in 1996. I always have supported the team and always will. If you understood my post (clearly u didn't), I gave kudos for Gudas. I also said we seem to have good prospects and we have built organizational depth. I also complemented him for the free agents. I was simply (or so I thought) was pointing out what areas I feel the jury is still out on. How can you say his drafting has been great over the last 3 years when Gudas is the only one who has made a true impact? Because of what you read on boltprospects? And yes I have gone to that site and in fact have reviewed the Hockey News prospect issue as well. Vsilevski and Connolly have proven his drafting has been great? I'm not saying they won't turn out, just like you I am hopeful they will, they just haven't done anything at the NHL level yet, and again I mentioned it's too early to judge (did you miss that too?). Feaster drafted horribly so he certainly can't do worse. We can agree to disagree on the defense, I hope Coopers system will correct the shortcomings, and think it should at least help. I think the difference between us is your opinion is based on what you think/hope will happen, where as mine is based on what I have seen at the NHL level thus far. I'm not saying the future won't be bright, I think it will be. AGAIN, I do give Yzerman a favorable review thus far!!!!!!

Why do you always attempt to be so confrontational, we both support the same team? I am a "fan" just like you, and have been since I moved here in 1996. I always have supported the team and always will. If you understood my post (clearly u didn't), I gave kudos for Gudas. I also said we seem to have good prospects and we have built organizational depth. I also complemented him for the free agents. I was simply (or so I thought) was pointing out what areas I feel the jury is still out on. How can you say his drafting has been great over the last 3 years when Gudas is the only one who has made a true impact? Because of what you read on boltprospects? And yes I have gone to that site and in fact have reviewed the Hockey News prospect issue as well. Vsilevski and Connolly have proven his drafting has been great? I'm not saying they won't turn out, just like you I am hopeful they will, they just haven't done anything at the NHL level yet, and again I mentioned it's too early to judge (did you miss that too?). Feaster drafted horribly so he certainly can't do worse. We can agree to disagree on the defense, I hope Coopers system will correct the shortcomings, and think it should at least help. I think the difference between us is your opinion is based on what you think/hope will happen, where as mine is based on what I have seen at the NHL level thus far. I'm not saying the future won't be bright, I think it will be. AGAIN, I do give Yzerman a favorable review thus far!!!!!!
- simon17

Perhaps you should go back and read what you wrote.
What do you purpose Yzerman do then? Burn the farm system he built back up in hopes of Temporary fix like Holmgren has done? How about we trade Conacher, Johnson and Connolly for Luongo? You can't have it both ways.

Perhaps you should go back and read what you wrote.
What do you purpose Yzerman do then? Burn the farm system he built back up in hopes of Temporary fix like Holmgren has done? How about we trade Conacher, Johnson and Connolly for Luongo? You can't have it both ways.
- Artyukhin76

I didn't propose that he do anything, just saying I think the grade would be incomplete at this point for drafting, defense, goaltending and coaching. When did I imply he should burn down the farm system ? Our farm system has been great the last couple of years.

I don't think we should trade for Luongo at all, I don't want that contract. Don't want to adapt Philly's model either. I am saying it will take some more time to give a more complete review, why is that so difficult for you to understand? As the other poster you criticized stated, there is still work to do. Still give him a favorable review though (for the 3rd time).

Overall, I am pleased with the job Yzerman's done. Our organizational depth has been significantly improved, especially with some of the young free agent signings (Johnson, Conacher, Sustr). The organization overall appears to be much stronger than when he took office. I would have to say the jury is still out in a few areas:

1. Drafting - naturally, this will take more time to figure out since Yzerman has been here just under 3 years. We do appear to have some good prospects, but the reality is Radko Gudas is the only pick from the 3 drafts (10, 11, 12) Yzerman has presided over to make a significant contribution thus far (unless you count Palat).
2. Goaltending - this is still an area of weakness. He attempted to address it with Lindback, and maybe he will turn out to be the answer, but it's still a big ? mark.
3. Defense - much like goaltending, this is still an area of weakness though he did attempt to address it by adding Carle and Salo. Gudas has been a big positive thus far, but the defense is still below average.
4. Coaching - Boucher initially looked like a gem, but ended up being fired in his 3rd season. Time will tell if the Cooper hiring was the right decision, but at least Yzerman had an opportunity to work with him for a couple of years before making this move, something he obviously didn't have before hiring Boucher.
- simon17

I have to say this is pretty accurate.
Though I don't think goaltending is as much a weakness as it is a question mark with both lindback and vasilievski in the wings (+janus, helenius, wilcox). I mean yes they aren't sure fixes but here's to hoping that they will provide a solid tandem in the near future.

The organizational depth that has been created is huge though, and it's clearly paying dividends now. Hopefully most of these guys can stick around long term.

Yzerman has done a lot of good.....I'm sorry, but when you sign the likes of Cory Conacher and Tyler Johnson when 29 other gms didn't, it's either you're a great GM, or the scouts you've hired are doing a terrific job, which still translates into you being a great gm..

The only area I'd critique Yzerman in is in getting a goalie, Lindback might one day flip the opinion on this, but that's the only area I'd give Yzerman a grade below B.

As for the guy who had issues with Tampa's drafting.....

2010:
Brett Connolly is going to be a top 6 forward, guy's got the tools, and will likely be a key contributor on next years team. Radko Gudas, kids the type of d-men most teams would love to have in their organization, and is going to be a great d-man for years in the NHL.

2011:
Getting a guy like Namestnikov is great at 27, Kucherov in the 2nd round was a solid pick (that could look like a steal, and Palat in the 7th round is ridiculous.
Even still, it's way too early to expect guys from this draft to be in the NHL, and already you guys got one.

2012:
Way too early, but there's nothing wrong with taking a big bruising Peterbourough Pete in the 1st round, especially when he's a d-man.

I didn't propose that he do anything, just saying I think the grade would be incomplete at this point for drafting, defense, goaltending and coaching. When did I imply he should burn down the farm system ? Our farm system has been great the last couple of years.

I don't think we should trade for Luongo at all, I don't want that contract. Don't want to adapt Philly's model either. I am saying it will take some more time to give a more complete review, why is that so difficult for you to understand? As the other poster you criticized stated, there is still work to do. Still give him a favorable review though (for the 3rd time).
- simon17

Our farm system is great because of who? Yzerman.
We have a better defensive core (only 2 active players have negative -/+) because of who? Yzerman.

Why do you always attempt to be so confrontational, we both support the same team? I am a "fan" just like you, and have been since I moved here in 1996. I always have supported the team and always will. If you understood my post (clearly u didn't), I gave kudos for Gudas. I also said we seem to have good prospects and we have built organizational depth. I also complemented him for the free agents. I was simply (or so I thought) was pointing out what areas I feel the jury is still out on. How can you say his drafting has been great over the last 3 years when Gudas is the only one who has made a true impact? Because of what you read on boltprospects? And yes I have gone to that site and in fact have reviewed the Hockey News prospect issue as well. Vsilevski and Connolly have proven his drafting has been great? I'm not saying they won't turn out, just like you I am hopeful they will, they just haven't done anything at the NHL level yet, and again I mentioned it's too early to judge (did you miss that too?). Feaster drafted horribly so he certainly can't do worse. We can agree to disagree on the defense, I hope Coopers system will correct the shortcomings, and think it should at least help. I think the difference between us is your opinion is based on what you think/hope will happen, where as mine is based on what I have seen at the NHL level thus far. I'm not saying the future won't be bright, I think it will be. AGAIN, I do give Yzerman a favorable review thus far!!!!!!
- simon17

Because unless its a top 10 pick, most 1st rounders take about 4 years to hit the NHL and have an impact........case in point: Nazem Kadri for my team. The NHL draft isn't the NBA draft , its not as bad as the MLB draft either, but developing prospects takes time, and considering how strong your Norfolk team was last year and how strong your syracuse team is this year, I'd say player development is not an issue for Yzerman. And you have two surprises already in Gudas and Palat, and many more future NHLers on the way.