I doubt the 'no-name pickups' were solely related to MG. I'm pretty sure the scouting staff brought these names forward to the GM. It's not like no other GM can do the same.
Your view of the team is myopic and negative. There are many reasons why the team was unsuccessful this year. With a raise in cap hit and possible buy out of Booth, the new GM can bring in a decent 2nd liner. A couple of solid trades make the team younger. Improved younger players (Jensen, Lack, Kassian) will also help the team.
Healthy Sedins focussed on playing offensively will make a big difference as well.
Maybe not a contender, but certainly far better than this year.
C'mon up for air!