Is Hockey Operations the Biggest, Untapped Market Inefficiency?

As originally written on July 26th, 2019. About a ~10 minute read.

While I have not read “Tape to Space: Redefining Modern Hockey Tactics” by Ryan Stimson, the foreword by Matt Pfeffer has struck a chord with many in the community, ranging from the casual fan of the game of hockey (the #1 Best Seller in Hockey according to Amazon.ca) to former executives whom have had a unique view on the game. Speaking to the reader, Matt offers the following passage of why those like himself and Ryan, and countless others on Twitter have become outspoken about their passion for the game and it’s evolution – or lack thereof:

“The antagonist of our struggle is the same: the ever-present malaise within this sport, the crushing weight of consensus, the warm safety blanket of inaction that consumes today’s ruling class of hockey. […] Decision makers in sport are never taking the kind of risks that they should be, because taking on risks comes with its own set of costs outside the scope of the individual game.”

Ruffled feathers, and the remaining flock

As originally written on July 5th, 2019. This piece is very long (~10 minutes reading) that surmises my thoughts of the past 2018-19 season, the current 2019 off-season, and a reflection of an idea I have had before going into the next.

“We’ve got a few ruffled feathers in there that we’re going to have to flatten out before we get going.”

It’s a line that sticks out in an end-of-season scrum after the Winnipeg Jets bowed out of the 2019 Stanley Cup Playoffs earlier than expected. It was probably the only crack in Paul Maurice’s press conference in 30 minutes of speaking in a hushed, disappointed, and monotone voice. That kind of quote ripples across the off-season and latches onto the discussions and moves surrounding the team - a kind of off-season where his boss, Kevin Cheveldayoff, might have been forced to make changes not just due to cap but because of culture.