I did say: that DESPITE the Sedins production a retool, was not the right choice cause (imo) after that core went stale, Gillis had nothing to transitioned to. You said, it in your post that the team was still able, to get a presidents trophy and it has been downhill, eversince due to the constant retooling vs drafting & developing. With hindsight, it seems obvious that Aquaman was never going, to allow his FO's to truly rebuild and without his full cooperation his FO's will always be handcuffed to JUST chase a playoff spot, instead of patiently building a contender. A similar finish to last year, will only further entrenched their status, in NHL Purgatory: STILL capped out, with a weak prospect pool; and I would still argue, this current roster is starting to get stale, with no notable accomplishment(s) - but a mini streak, ever so often during the season should appease most. For this season, both the playoffs and Bedard are looking like dream scenarios. I believe JR, knows what the team needs to do but he doesn't seem to have an owner that understands.
Same JB & Aquaman roster, with the same flaws & strengths.