If you make the playoffs you always have a chance. The Canucks need the Sedins to make the playoffs. Whether or not the Sedins can perform in the playoffs remains to be seen, but I would rather role the dice with them then to intentionally lose to get draft picks.
Look at how stacked PIT was on paper last year and how far did they get? I would rather see MG try and do his job and build the team where possible while staying competetive.
The moral of the story is:
Losing teams are no fun to watch. The playoffs are a crap shoot. High draft picks do not necessarily win you cups i.e. see FLA, EDM, or WPG (ATL). All have had high picks over the year and havnt won jack squat, muchless made the playoffs consistetly.