I don't understand why people are getting so worried. Calm down.
Even if (not going to happen) Lou starts 'retooling' and not 'rebuilding', we still have plenty of solid pieces even though we've just started our rebuild - Marner, Reilly, Nylander, JVR, Kadri are all good pieces. If Lou can get atleast a total return of one 1st and two 2nds and 3rds with the short term pieces we have just signed, then we should be fine to be a good team.
However that's not enough, and I believe Lou has learned something in Jersey the past 5 years and he's committed to show that he still has it. He wants to do everything he can to win one more time, except on a much larger scale. Lou probably realized that successful dynasties can be made through the draft as witnessed with Chicago. He's realized that he has to try something new and to do that he's gone back to some old connections. He realizes that his 'disciple' (Shanahan) is doing it right although in a much less traditional way than Lou is used to. To me it seems that he's willing to be a part in building a dynasty and help in any way he can - mostly with his wisdom, connections, and GM abilities.