Sweeney had the quite legitimate excuse last season that he didn't know exactly how good this group was and how far it could go, so he was shrewd but cautious in his trades. But now we know, the early signs are good, the widow of opportunity at least for this core is closing fast, and our defensive depth has improved with Clifton stepping up and Gryz confirming his ability at this level beyond doubt, plus the guys in Providence who look good.
So this time we just have to use some of the 'excess' pieces at our disposal, take a little more risk and land the 2RW we need to take another serious tilt at the playoffs. We have the people to offer to get a satisfactory deal done, it's the money/cap that's the trickiest part, especially with Coyle, Krug and DeBrusk all coming up for contract renewals. But we have Moore, Miller, Ritchie and Backes all sitting on pretty good money and all looking increasingly surplus to requirements to one extent or another, plus a prospect or two that might be suitable to offload. Between all that, I think it can be done, and done well without compromising the strengths we already have.