I wonder if Todd McLellan regrets leaving San Jose.
I am pretty sure that Tmac and Chirelli were using this year to evaluate the talent and character of all the players. Until they had the time to assess the players mentally and see who fits, and who doesn't, they were hesitant to make major changes. Now I am sure they know what they have, what they don't have, who wants to stay and work hard, and who needs to go. I expect this off season to be very busy. There is a lot of talent that can bring in other assets that will help the team be better next year. Getting rid of certain players and bringing in certain players from a character perspective is what will ultimately change the culture, and culture is their biggest problem followed by a need for a 1D and another top 4D.
The controlled growth of the young Coyote players, and the team winning now, even though we have no shot at the playoffs, is way more important then where we pick in the draft. We don't want that losing culture, not playing hard, creeping into our game. It is hard to change once it becomes accepted.