[Hot_Flatus]

Do you really need to "tank" in order to alter the trajectory of this team if it is determined that the current group can't get it done? You can certainly ship out the handful of high demand players (Lindholm, Backlund, Hanifin, Tanev), who are on good deals with dwindling term for pretty handsome returns without absolutely gutting the roster and operating as a doormat for the next handful of seasons.

Based on the existing NHL talent on the roster and prospects in the system, this path would likely not be overly long or painful given the ability to leverage newfound cap room as well. The biggest question would be who the franchise views as it's GM to take this on, and I'm not sold the existing one deserves more running room to do it again.