Speculation: Is the current core ready to become a perennial playoff team?

[Peen]

We have a good core: Pettersson, Hughes, Demko.

We have a stable of quality vets: Miller, Horvat, Pearson, Garland, OEL

Other than Podz though we have a weak pipeline of young players that could potentially become core players.

We have a poor dcorps and overall defensive structure.

I think this is fixable but a lot of work ahead.

the question isn't whether it's fixable because anything is "fixable"

it's a question if you can build a sustainable winner on and off the ice within the timeline of demko's contract.

which means this management group will need to bat close to 100% to move out bad salary, identify multiple michael bunting types, somehow bring in futures that can push for roster spots in 3-5 years with limited assets, fix all the poor structure within hockey operations, all while improving not taking any major step back

 

[Tomatoes11]

Jeesh do you really feel like players should not get paid and that the cap isn't a issue for all teams?

Were only screwed if new regime repeats the same mistakes. We have 4 players committed to longer than 3 yrs?.

I see you posting this fear campaigning for a rebuild but what do you think happens with all of our good players we have accumulated since Horvat decide to bolt for this desire to tank for Bedard and then end up with the 5th pick and the next Sam Bennett or Michael DalColle?

Its insanity......the GM is on record saying that they are not looking to step back at all

Just sign deals that make sense and use the trades that you make for players that dont want to be here or want stupid money to rebuild the prospect pool and then sign ones that fit

Sam bennet on an elc is good…..and who is to say they won’t bolt even if we don’t tank? And if we miss on the 2023 draft, which unlikely considering how strong it is there’s the 2025 draft and beyond.

Our situation is actually probably worse than what PEEN described in his last post and restocking the farm is the only way to fix it I see. Sure it comes with risks but your way isn’t going to work for sure. 100%. Rebuilding you at least have like a chance.