[Cali Panthers Fan]

I gave it a 7. I think they should have made some moves about a season prior to when they did, but overall, they've still been making the right moves when needed. The only other quibble I have is in leaving the negotiation of trade destination open to a few players. It didn't result in a bad outcome, but it did hamper the quality of assets back a little.

Overall, they've been doing the right thing in moving out veterans or underperforming players (Huberdeau notwithstanding) and getting good young assets or picks back. I think they've built a solid foundation for the future in net, on defense, and on the wing. I just think they're missing a star center and maybe another top line winger, but that should come in the next couple years of the draft.

What's really good about the build is that they've timed the development window of players to about the right time for it all to come together. Goalies take the longest to develop, then defensemen, then forwards. We have our starting goalie now at 24, likely to hit his peak in about 3 years time. We have some good young defensemen in their early to mid 20's who will peak in about 3-4 years time. We have some good young forwards around 18/19/20 who will peak in about 3-4 years time.

If we hit on a star center or winger in this draft, we'll have all the things we need to build around long term. Where we lack we may have to supplement through free agency, but we've created a crazy amount of cap space to go out and do that when the time comes.

I think everything is lining up well, I just wish they realized it a season earlier.