Thread title seems hyperbolic. I'm not sure there's a rot, more like a few specific areas that need improvement in terms of balance. Flames are good and young on the whole, but definitely have weaknesses.
Generally, I don't think you improve by trading your best offensive player. Instead you try to build around him and find players who can help him out. Monahan complements Gaudreau in one way only, and that is his shot. He leaves Gaudreau to do every other part of the sport by himself. My first priority would be to get an upgrade on Monahan either through trading him or signing Duchene (this might mean packaging him with Neal). Or play Bennett back at centre with non AHL linemates like GranteedEV says. Second priority would be to find a steady goalie who can support Rittich next year.
Try do dump Stone on whoever, trade one of Hanifin or Hamonic for a high end forward. Maybe Toronto will bite on Hanifin's cachet and trade Kadri for him.
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