Yes, it gave this core of Horvat, Pettersson, Boeser, Hughes, Demko a taste of how great it is to play in the playoffs and how good they could be in a do or die situation. This is crucial as if we didn't have that run, I believe we would already hear a lot more players wanting out at this point. Also, the problem isn't letting these free agents you mentioned walk for nothing, it is why they walk for nothing. Benning failed misearably in the free agency period from 2016-2018 is the reason why we couldn't keep the names you mentioned above. Out of the names you mention, the ones I really miss is Tanev and Toffoli and to an extend, Stecher. Tanev imo it is exactly the type of D-man this team is missing right now. Keeping Toffoli should've been a no brainer as he fitted in so well with the team. The failure of Benning in the 2020 off-season is in excusable. I have said all along, I don't hate the trade to acquire Toffoli, I hate how he never even attempted to re-sign him and let him walk for nothing.