I disagree on sucking if they are massaged through the down years as real cup contenders. Yes trading Zucker for a top pick and seeing what Letang can bring after this year are two moves that help the retool. But Jake, Sid who will be here my guess is three more years and Kap, Marino, Jarry, TB, and then see who can be that second line eventually minus Malkin. Only the timing of this is the question. I think it has to start after this year in a complete overhaul of GM, coach, and players that can fetch prospects/picks including Letang, Malkin, Zucker, Rust and Dumo.
O'Connor Sid Kap
Jake Roslevic Legare
Poulin McCann Tanev
Bjorkqvist TB Lafferty/Angelo
Marino Matheson
Timmons POJ
? ?
Jarry
I am trading Petts for Roslevic and a pick. Malkin to the AV's for Timmons and a first. Those are two moves I make to stay relevant and get prospects and picks back for the above. Then you have guys like Maniscalco, O'Reilly, and Lee plus I keep Riikola and maybe Ruhwedel depending on the development of those 3 D men. Roslevic I have playing the 2C but am looking to add draft selections of centers te next 3 years. Pens have now the right cap situation to be cost effective during the retooling of the roster.