Well the 2007-2008 team finished 11th in the west with Luongo...
Without him that team finishes significantly lower than that...
The year before would have been a bore...
We would never been a destination for free agents galore..
And when given the opportunity the Sedins would scat...
You have to remember...
Once Luongo is acquired...
The team philosophy changed from one that focused on offense...
To one that wanted to build from the net out.
If Luongo was not acquired...
They would probably play like the 05/06 team...
And more of the same.
There are too many variables though.
2007-08 would be the second season after the Luongo trade...
And too many things could have happened in 2 seasons.
Noronen could be good...
Trades could be made...
And people could be signed.
Plus...
People could be fired...
And coaches could be changed...
Which would bring about another team philosophy.
Nobody can predict what could have happened...
Still...
Based on all the information available...
A team like 05/06 is more likely...
And thus...
It would be more of the same...
A middling team who will challenge for an eighth spot...
But could fall short...
And into the end of the lottery.