I hear ya.
Overall, I’m content with their recent moves. They signed their goalie, and they got younger by bringing in Frasca and the rights to Bryan. At some point, imo, they needed to at least add a middle 6 forward if they actually wanted to make a true run this year. With the assets they have, it was going to be tough to do that unless they got creative. Hard to say if that’s why they moved Sova or if it was related to Misiak situation or both. Either way, I like that they added an 2006 forward, rather than an 05, and they still added someone with upside who at minimum is a good 3rd liner.
Now the priorities are:
Backup goalie
Depth of defense
Depth on offense
Some of these holes could be fixed with the current roster or guys in the system who pop in camp. Ideally, 1/2 of these things are addressed internally. Then they can address the other through a trade closer to the deadline as needed.
I believe their current cupboards (2-5th rounds) look like this:
2025: 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th
2026: 2nd, 4th, 4th, 5th
2027: 3rd, 5th
2028: 4th, 5th
If they really wanted to, they could definitely add a player or 2 - but it will wipe out much of the above. I’m personally fine with that IF they are willing to trade their high end players next year regardless of the season or situation they are in. If you trade Schaefer/Spence next year, you probably get 8-10 high end picks and 1/2 young players in return and the cupboards are better than normal. They are in a much better situation than 2017 to immediately recoup the picks and then some so long as they are smart (which I have my doubts).