Inner Core:
C
C
D
G
IMO every cup winner in the cup era has met the following test: 2.5 of the above were 'elite'.
Since we're in a bit of a semantics thread, I think I've come up with a decent definition for the oft-argued term. 'Elite': good enough to be legitimately in the conversation to play for Team Canada (on their own merit - not Muzzin/Kunitz, and regardless of nationality).
Obviously there is a grey-area between 'definitely/definitely not TC quality', hence the half point above.
A few obvious caveats:
1. Having the above ingredients doesn't guarantee anything (see FLA). There are many, many other things needed.
2. Chicken/egg is certainly at play, but having the knowledge/certainty on every piece before the fact doesn't really matter.
3. Most cup winners also have elite winger(s), but not all. '09 Penguins. '12/ '14 Kings and '06 Hurricanes are debatable. I contend that this falls under the many, many other things that are needed.
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