Signing DeBrusk doesn't changes anything by itself. If the team finishes outside of the top 10, it will be because a lot of things come together at the same time which is unlikely. This team lacks top tier talent, and DeBrusk doesn't fix that. Wolf and Vladar are also not going to carry the team. Wolf is a good goalie prospect, but I don't expect him to play like a bonafide number 1 NHL goalie next season. I think he is still a work in progress.
Signing some like DeBrusk could be a small piece of the puzzle to getting the team back into contention for the playoffs in a few seasons though as it would free up other assets that could be moved. The strategy need to apply to DeBrusk specifically and I don't have any strong opinions on him.
The tongue in cheek comment about Montreal getting the 11th OA was more about keeping Markstrom than signing free agents.
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"A pessimist thinks things can't get any worse. An optimist knows they can."
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