Bubba

You're right about moving Risto but foolish fletch after trading more than he's worth overpaid him on an extension.  Hayes should go while they can still get value for him and the dumbass 8 year extension he gave Couturier, if Couturier plays well next year, trade him too.  He's on the wrong side of 29 & now is showing his rough game takes a toll.  He won't be a 1st line player in 3 years.  On the unreasonable to expect list, trade Ellis if he plays 40 out of the 1st 50 games next year.  Another 30+ player foolish fletch gets with 5 or 6 years to go on his contract.  Wouldn't surprise me if fletch wants to sign Gordie Howe.

As far as JVR, they traded him for Luke Schenn, way to go homer!

I don't want to use any excuses, I'll use a couple reasons, Comcast and Chuck Fletcher.  His great coach is gone, his big free agent signing Hayes is virtually a no show, Ellis' injury history is no surprise except to Fletcher.  And there's a depleted draft picks since Fletcher likes to trade them to talk to players.