This is a rebuild. Like what are people expecting, how much worse do you really want to be?
How much worse can we get is the real question?
Would the Ducks actually be in a worse place if they trade their vets?
Honestly this should have started in the 2018-2019 season. When the Ducks were the 3rd worst team in the conference.
SIlfverberg never should have been resigned and should have been traded at the deadline.
Henrique should have been traded before his NTC kicked in and when he still had value.
If the Ducks had embraced the rebuild starting at the 2019 deadline then they would basically be in the same place they are now (rebuilding) but they would have had assets for those vets instead of terrible contracts.
Edit: I know hindsight is 20/20, but how did everyone not see the writing on the wall in 18-19?
Getzlaf just had his worst season ever and the music had clearly ended as far as him being a #1 center.
Perry was coming off of a torn ACL and clearly was not going to be a top 6 forward anymore.
Manson came back to earth from his 40 point season.
Kesler was done, with 8 points in 60 games.