If GMBM thinks they are already too old Id expect him to load up at deadline last time and then sell everyone not needed in the long run after playoffs.
There is D foundation, there are CMM, AP and maybe even HL down the middle, wingers could be bought, so there is a pretty big list of veteran guys who can be traded for assets.
A little dive next season or two and then it's CMM's team with some old guys from Ovi era.
Certainly giving space for Fever (dumping Dillon), Siege will not make it awful (if we arent going to contend next year anyway).
Trading Kuzy should provide assets to get good top-6 forward or two. Young and fast most preferably. Maybe if it's at draft they can get top pick or smth.
Oshie, I dont know. He could play as grizzled 3RW if there is competent top-6 RW for years to come.
They need solid top-6 LW too, if it's not Vrana. Honestly, at this point Sheary doesnt look lees effective overall than Vrana. They can go cheap enough and then rise if prospects progress well.
After thinking again... they should just give Vrana a chance and keep him at deadline (and keep as asset).
Then with Kuzy and Vrana and Oshie on the table they have pretty good chance to get back forwards for long term top-6 duty. Even 1 good guy will make it much better and cap space will be acquired too.
Left Wing after Summer
Ovechkin
top6-LW
someone like Sheary will be ok
Hags
long term depth: one of CMM/HL could end up here, Id prefer good LW drafted in the 1st round this year
Right Wing
Wilson
top6-RW
Oshie/Sprong
Hathaway
depth: certainly they are thin there, Wilson is not that young anymore too, draft another winger
Center
Backstrom
CMM
Eller
Dowd
depth: AP, HL
You can certainly fight for playoffs spot with this group and make passes to Ovechkin's island often enough.
Defense is in even better state long term because there are several solid prospects and current leaders arent old yet too.
We can watch such a roster. Maybe even dump Eller if there is some eager GM out there. No fear, guys.