I've previously said that this wouldn't be a bad season to have a bad season.
Look at what the Avs have done - they too were up and down, but in the down they grabbed a franchise piece in Makar.
There's a lot of high end talent at the top end of this draft.
This group is showing they aren't a team that isn't going to compete for a cup. So you need to start managing to next season.
Identify the guys you think are part of that future. For me that is
Long-term: Hanifin, Andersson, Valimaki, BSD, Tkachuk, Lindholm
That's the group in my view. I wouldn't be in a rush to trade Monahan or Gio. The former because I think he's trying to evolve as a player and if he does - it's a big piece going forward. The latter for stabilization and leadership and to mentor a young D core.
So that leaves you with
Guys you move for rentals/vet help for other teams: Brodie, Hamonic, Frolik (if you can), Ryan (maybe- though I wouldn't be opposed to keeping him)
Guys you move if you can maximize their return, whether it be now or in the summer: Johnny, Sam
That's the blueprint in my view.
Johnny is your opportunity to bring in some serious quality pieces. If BT makes that deal it will define his legacy as a Gm and the future of this entire franchise. I don't think its hyperbole to call it the most important possible deal in the last 20 years for this franchise. Can't blow it.
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