Imo Hughes at a certain point in the season gets that itch to be better next season, and speaks publicly based on that.
But when the offseason comes and it's time to make decisions that affect both next season and the future, he has so far done what is best for the future, even if it means we won't be that much better next year.
After this upcoming season, Dvo, Armia, and Savard will be off the books, plus the retention from Petry and Allen. Next offseason should interesting to see what ufa or trade Hughes is involved in.
And I wouldn't be against adding another Reinbacher or Demidov level prospect with a good draft pick - and giving Armia, Dvo, and Anderson good ice time to get their production up and get a good return by trade deadline. Would be nice to get 2nds for Armia and Dvo and ship Anderson out without retaining much. Hopefully Savard brings another 2nd, or even a 1st. We could use the 2nds to move up with the Florida pick.