Other than new or improving young players, the Ducks essentially swapped Lyubshkin and Henrique for Dumoulin and Fabbri. While I like both players, it's essentially treading water. The team is essentially the same. PV did not obtain the players he identified as needs so the team has the same issues as last season. With basically the same coach, exception Clune, this team is the same and the expectations for results should be the same unless significant growth from multiple young players.
I feel like a broken record, but the Ducks need to aquire a high end scoring forward. At the same time, the team is just not playing good hockey. Teams with low skill can still play solid, structured hockey. The Ducks seem unable to do that and lack confidence as a result. Even if Cronin isn't the main issue, at some point, you have to start seeing results.