The organization indicated to the press toward the end of the season that they planned on having a more steady line-up this season. Not that they wouldn't have the AHL/future-NHL guys going back and forth. That can't be helped, to a point. But they did say something to the effect that they planned on having a good portion of steady players (I believe they said something like over ten).
I have posted multiple comments which should not be confused.
I know that some of the players are here based upon their potential, they are here to improve. But, at the same time, others are here because of their current skill and ability. If the balance is thrown in favor of the potential, or farm, players, there will be a certain type of team (merely, a farm team). On the other hand, the team could instead bring together a good mix of players, some of whom are skilled in terms of this minor league, ECHL, quality hockey players in their own right who are not being prepared for the higher leagues, others who are working on their game to eventually head up to AHL or even NHL.
Okay, if this league, ECHL, is MERELY a farming league, and not to be taken at face value as a real competitive collection of serious teams composed of skilled players in their own right, I am mistaken. Otherwise, I say the Everblades are NOT merely a farm team. Otherwise, they should choose the best men for the job (in addition to fertilizing the soil of potential AHLers).
