That's why I didn't say 4 steps back
That said the team still missed the playoffs and who really knows what is in store next few seasons. Will Miller get traded? What will the team do with Boeser's qualifying offer? what about Horvat's extension next season?
All question will play in the next few seasons but all signs point to either the current roster getting paid more than before (eating away to the cap more) or having to trade some players away that could lead to a less effective team.
In fact the one thing Avs and Canucks have in common is that both have to address their cap issues this offseason. However Avs have an excuse because the team a cup contender and the Canucks are, at best, a bubble team. If many here don't think the Avs and Canucks situation isn't comparable, then you also need to ask yourself how did Canucks get into cap issues at this point?