Respectfully disagree. I see where you are coming from, but you have to try and compete when you have a player like Hughes on the roster. I question some of the moves that this management group has made over the years, but I think the overall "we must try to win" philosophy is one I am aligned with.
I also think that this team can move into consistent playoff contender (cup contender is going to be a stretch) with a couple of bold moves in the off season.
If we can snag one of the top free agents (Ehlers or Marner is where I'd lean), it then opens up the possibility for us to trade one of our D + picks for a solid 2C option somewhere and balance out the roster again.
I'm optimistic because our kids are looking really good. D-Petey's emergence and Raty's solid play have me hopeful that we can slot them in as full time NHLs next year, and save some money on cap as well.
Mancini looks promising, one could argue he'd make a great 7D.
Lekkerimaki just needs to put time in the gym and gain those few pounds he'll need to fight off checks at the NHL, but the kid looks to have pretty good instincts and is on a good trajectory as well. I dunno why, but it also looked like he has some pretty instant chemistry with Hughes as well
If Pettersson can bounce back to a solid 1C + a couple of key moves in the off season, I think we're right back in the mix for the next 4-5 years, especially once we re-sign Hughes.