Muller and staff were fired today. What do you think? I'm not so sure it was them as much as it's time for some new blood in the lineup.

I think it was a bad fit, and it's easier to fire the coaches than turn over the entire roster. Supposedly the players' exit interviews were pretty much universally negative toward Muller.

I think he probably had to go, but I would certainly agree the roster needs improvement as well. Mainly I'm just encouraged that it seems like Francis isn't wasting any time trying to right the ship.

I think it was a good move provided that they don't recycle Maurice, Lavi, or bring on Tort.

Agree that he didn't have much to work with, and also agree that I think it's a positive move to see Francis making moves. I'd like for roster moves to come next, with the Canes hopefully able to get rid of some of these bad contracts. Personally I'd like to see us go for a total rebuild, similar to what Pittsburgh and Washington did years back. Keep Skinner, Lindholm, Faulk, and Khudobin. Trade everyone else of value for picks and/or prospects.

What I hope is that we've seen the last of handing out those awful contracts. Rutherford fell in love harder and faster than a 15 year old boy. I think they'll keep the Staals around - Eric in particular was just a bad fit with Muller's preferred style. I do expect they'll try to trade Ward, which would be a bittersweet day for fans. But who knows if they can find a taker for that contract.

And I can't imagine anyone will take on Semin's contract. If nobody wanted to pay him that much when he was a FA two years ago, why would they now?

I think that Semin's problem is that he needs a coach who will light a fire under his butt. He is a great talent but takes way too many plays off in the neutral zone leading to fast break opportunities for the opposing team.

They do need to get rid of Ward if they're going to make a trade, plus it's tough for a team to carry around three goalies during the year since you're tying up a spot on your active roster. I'm interested to see how the new management approaches everything within the next month or so.

FWIW, Laviolette is off the board - just hired by Nashville.