I'd say this is a pretty standard rebuild. We certainly haven't half-assed it like some other teams, like a bad Toronto team flipping multiple picks for Kessel, or rushed it like the Gretzky Era Coyotes.
As for Eichel, obviously he's a great player, and as much as it sucked to lose the lotto, we still got an exceptional prospect in Strome. He was the BPA and a No. 1 center available after two elite/generational/franchise players. This franchise got the No. 1 center that has eluded it for years. In any other year, Strome is a 1st overall pick.
I agree and think the rebuild is going well. Strome would have been a number 1 in many other draft years, glad we have him. Even if we intentionally tanked, which we won't, it would not guarantee us anything. Keep building with Youth and sign vets like Vermette/Doan/Z/Alex T, to relatively cheap, short term deals. The cost won't kill us and the experience helps the team and the young guys.
I think we are done attempting to sign the John Scott/Downie/Moss types of players. I think Plotnikov/Sakac/Tik/Chip are all likely gone next year. Our centers are the best in the NHL on the dot, would like to keep them all, can never have too many, plus they can play wing. It will take pressure off of Strome and Dvorak assuming he makes the team.
We will have to pay to get Yandle and Shattenkirk or similar players to complete our top 4D. This is where we should spend the money if the right players/deals are available. I think Kconn has earned a job now as an LHD behind OEL and hopefully Yandle. I would love to see:
OEL/Shatty
Yandle/Stone or Murphy(I think one will go in a trade for #1RHD)
Kconn/Z or who ever
That would make us a very good team next year assuming Smith/LD can play decent in net.
