Definitely could have been, but I think it might be smart to add one guy at a time. Cole is integrated and doesn't need to be carried by a vet so now is a good time to add Lambert. By the following year you shouldn't have to shelter Brad as much and can insulate McGroarty while he adapts.
I think Chibrikov is more nhl ready than either Lambert or McGroarty, yet we're going to make him wait THREE years to crack the lineup? Hell no.
I'm all in to go younger next year and perhaps take a slight step back in terms of overall regular season performance.
Save some money in vet salary and use it to get some real help for them, not passengers.
A quick reload like that could get us back to contender status quicker, and more sustainably as guys like Sammy, Vilardi and Perfetti become vets, and Lambo, Ville, Chibi and McGroarty incorporate.
Jet's Crazy Lineup:
Out:
Ehlers, Iafallo, Monahan, Tofolli, Appleton
Dillon, Pionk, Schmidt, Stanley
In:
2nd pair RHD, 2C
So how do we get the above 2 out of the players that are leaving? Probably not easy - though I think you do it 2 ways:
Use your best trade chip - Ehlers. I think his advanced stats will be valued highly by some teams. Maybe Calgary would do a deal with us for Andersson?
Salary cap space. Moving out all of that salary and bringing in 4 guys on cheap deals opens up a lot of cash to perhaps overpay someone a bit (Elias Lindholm?) Brandon Montour is an interesting option as well, though there is some risk - is he just a late bloomer or outlier? He's going to get PAID.
Chibrikov Schiefele Perfetti
Connor *2C Vilardi
Barron Namestnikov Lambert
Kupari Lowry Niederraiter
Gustafsson
Morrissey - Demelo
Samberg - *RHD
Heinola - Miller
Capobianco
Hellebuyck
On the cusp:
Lucius, McGroarty, Salmonsson, Barlow
This lineup allows us to free up the logjam of prospects, get younger, and significantly change the core. There is risk there, and there's a lot of what ifs and growing pains, but I do think this team could compete for a playoff spot in the first year. Lots of balance in the lineup and the D core has great potential