The modern sports world was turned on its head when Michael Lewis published “Moneyball” back in 2003. The book analyzed the Oakland Athletics franchise and how the team’s front office fielded a competitive team despite the fact they did not have the money to sign elite players or sign their own players to long term extensions.
In the film adaptation of “Moneyball,” actor Brad Pitt playing the role of A’s general manager Billy Beane. Pitt tells his team’s head scout “adapt or die,” when the scout questions the general manager’s new method for player selection. Similarly, in the NHL, the style of play has changed through time because of the type of players that fill up rosters.