There’s a two part answer to that
Sure, we may be number 1 at scouting, but do we develop that talent and make it successful? It’s doubtful
Burke/Murray era prior to the 2019 rebuild was being playoff bound 10 times out of 13 seasons, which includes a Stanley Cup, 3 Western Conf finals, and five consecutive Pacific Div titles.
In 2021-22, Murray's team was 3rd in the Pacific when Verbeek took over in Feb. Murray was gone in early November. Lots of youths helping to get to 3rd in the Pacific in Terry, Z, Drysdale, Lundy, but they also had some talented vets to go along with.
Unfortuantely, Verbeek decided to do a reset rebuild. We still possess high end talent youths, but we lack the appropriate vets under Verbeek. Drysdale helped facilitate a trade for top-5 prospect Cutter Gauthier.
There's the rest of the team that Verbeek is mismanaging, but the scouting group has been tops.