The OP is right it isn't as weak as many believe it is weaker.
The defensive group is likely the worst in the league. Brodie and Giordano are far from standouts. Brodie has had a decent year for a younger guy as a 4th round pick but still makes a ton of mistakes out there. Giordano has had a nightmare season. Wideman is a disaster in his own end and not close to good enough offensively to make up for it. Butler is terrible. Smith and Sarich are what they are 6t/7th defensemen. Babchuk should be in the KHL.
The forwards are made up of small, weak, defensively clueless secondary players. That is an awful core to build around and again possibly the worst forward core in the league going forward.
With Kipper seeming to be feeling the effects of his age and all the games played the last 10 years goaltending again a terrible group.
This team is looking at a 3-4 year rebuild at least and maybe longer if they miss on one of their top picks. They are missing top level talent at every position and realisitically need a top line, top defensive pairing and number 1 goalie. It doesn't appear those needs are going to be replaced by things we have on the team/in system.
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