The NHL offseason has been a rollercoaster for many fan bases, with some teams and their supporters feeling more insulted than others. Here's a breakdown of eight fan bases that have had a particularly rough start to the player empowerment era, ranked from the best to the worst situation.
Seattle Kraken (9/10): The Kraken's attempt to land a star winger, Jason Robertson, is a tough look for a team trying to break through. Despite offering trade assets and big dollars, Robertson refused to come to Seattle, even with a lucrative contract on the table. This highlights the challenge of attracting top talent to a market that hasn't yet proven its ability to support a superstar. The insult-o-meter reads high, as the Kraken's efforts to build a winning team have been met with resistance.
Detroit Red Wings (8.5/10): Captain Dylan Larkin's demand for a trade is a brutal blow for Wings fans, especially with a team-record playoff drought. Larkin's decision to use his no-trade clause to limit his destinations to just three teams, none of which seemed to have the assets Steve Yzerman needed, adds to the insult. The insult-o-meter is high, as the team's struggles and the captain's decision to leave have left fans feeling betrayed.
Ottawa Senators (8/10): Brady Tkachuk's exit to Florida was a gut punch for Senators fans, who had defended him for years. The way Tkachuk used his no-trade clause to narrow his destinations to just a few teams, including Florida, made the blow even worse. The insult-o-meter is high, as the team's struggles and the star's departure have left fans feeling betrayed and frustrated.
Anaheim Ducks (6/10): The Ducks' situation with Leo Carlsson is a self-inflicted wound. GM Pat Verbeek's reputation for nickel-and-diming players, coupled with the team's decision to match an offer sheet, has raised concerns. The insult-o-meter is moderate, as the team's actions have left fans questioning their strategy.
Winnipeg Jets (5/10): The Jets' situation with Connor Hellebuyck is a delicate one. While he wants out, the team is in a better position than others faced with trading a star. The insult-o-meter is moderate, as the team's efforts to manage the situation are being watched closely.
Columbus Blue Jackets (6.5/10): The Blue Jackets' situation with Zach Werenski and Kirill Marchenko is a complex one. The team's efforts to trade Werenski, who vetoed a deal, and the subsequent changes in his and Marchenko's status, have left fans with mixed feelings. The insult-o-meter is moderate, as the team's struggles and the players' actions have created uncertainty.
Dallas Stars (3.5/10): The Stars' situation with Jason Robertson is a challenging one. The team's efforts to keep him have been met with resistance, and the stalemate has left fans with mixed feelings. The insult-o-meter is moderate, as the team's struggles and the player's decision have created uncertainty.
Buffalo Sabres (2/10): The Sabres' situation with Alex Tuch and Bowen Byram is a complex one. The team's efforts to trade the players and the subsequent deals have left fans with mixed feelings. The insult-o-meter is low, as the team's optimism boost from last year's success has helped mitigate the current situation.
