1)No, it's Staal's contract.
While that's true, in context it seemed pretty clear you were talking about how long those of us who preach patience expect the team to struggle.
2)Everyone is ok with Staal destroying this team on the ice because "rebuild." I want to be transitioning away from the rebuild by the time his contract is up. I guess waiting a year isn't going to be a huge difference,
Absolutely happy to revisit the conversation in a year. Depending on how the next season plays out, and how our kids develop, I could well have a different opinion at that point.
although he could be the difference between 9th in the East and the playoffs, at which point, I'll take the playoffs over the 1/100 chance at first overall.
While I think there is value in the kids getting exposed to PO hockey, I think you're minimizing the value of the lottery.
Next year's calculus should be the same as last year's. Come February, are we at or below the PO cutoff and struggling? Sell for another year, hope for another 20-30% shot at top 3. Unexpectedly thriving? Don't invest in any rentals, but do play it out, and let the kids get the benefit of PO exposure.
3)Three years is not immediate. It's a long time. Go look at our 2010 and 2012 rosters. That wasn't even three years.
It is.
I, however, think that what will happen over that period is:
Year 1: year in transition, kids getting their feet wet, building the cupboard/core. Likely miss the POs, though not necessarily. That offseason, investigate the FA market and buyouts (depending on how the core is looking, by this point, it may already be time to look at the big name guys and, potentially, cutting Staal) with a view towards trending upward the next year.
Year 2: 1st wave of kids now settling in, second wave getting their feet wet. Team gelling. Likely make the POs, though not necessarily. Put up a good fight for a round or two. That offseason, add around the edges.
Year 3: window open, team is at or near contender status.
It's not 100% guaranteed, of course, but I believe it's the goal, and is realistic – and I'm fully on board for it.