[SuperMatt18]

They aren't wrong - but the reality is there is no pinch point right now, and really wasn't in the past offseason. IMO this upcoming offseason is actually the bigger decision point.

Last offseason Gaudreau was already gone. And unfortunately they were somewhat forced into the decision to trade Tkachuk and lock into Huberdeau, Kadri, Weegar for 7+ years. But at this point Tkachuk was the only piece you didn't maximize into futures (and we actually don't know what the other return was).

BUT as long as they don't double down and go extend the expiring players in 2024 this offseason then it's fine.

Actually there is an argument to be made that this is the best year to go all in. Then if it doesn't work this year you need to be honest in the offseason and move:

Mangiapane: 2 x $5.8M (27 years old)
Backlund: 1 x $5.35M (34 years old)
Lindholm: 1 x $4.85M (29 years old)
Toffoli: 1 x $4.25M (31 years old)
Dube: 1 x $2.3M (25 years old)
Hanifin: 1 x $4.95M (27 years old)
Tanev: 1x $4.5M (33 years old)
Zadorov: 1 x $3.75M (28 years old)
Kylington: 1 x $2.5M (26 years old)
Vladar: 2 x $2.2M (26 years old)

As long as you're honest about this team and don't go lock these players up into their mid-30s, and you sell them and don't try to go all in for one more year next year it's fine.

The idea should have been this 22-23 season was the last kick of the can. If it doesn't work then you tear it down.

Then you just move forward with Huberdeau, Kadri, Coleman, Andersson, Weegar, Markstrom as the carry overs that will be tougher to move with their contracts. And really the goal is to implement a system that allows them to maximize their counting numbers and potentially allow you to move them. Then you hope people like Pelletier, Coronato, Zary, and Wolf can develop into good pieces, in addition to all the assets you bring in for the names above.