Can't really blame you on the full doom and gloom comment bc you are not far off. So disappointing. You can't say this is your all in year and then not prepare for it. Ludwinski should have been moved at the deadline last year and we wasted several picks on OA's last year. Spare me the "but we just flipped the Budnick picks." But we could have kept our picks and not traded for Holmes and Schmidt who were merely rental players - esp Schmidt for a couple months. Make that make sense to me. Yes they were wasted. We weren't winning last year. Can someone remind me what we currently have as the return for moving Shane Wright? Furthermore, I think our scouting staff needs to be revamped in a big way. We seem to be missing every year where other teams picking after us seem to get it. From the 2004 age draft on - it has been a disaster. Just look at the drafts and the players we could have had and missed out on. I don't even see it being better in 26-27 unless willing to sell at the deadline this year and during the summer with our abundance of 05's.
I agree have to either decide to go all in this year or sell. Can’t just stand pat
My opinion-
Trade burns at deadline for a 16 year old
if you can get one. If not trade him for a decent 17/18 year old d man that will be on the team next year. Then trade one of Miedema/soto (Miedema is the obvious one to me) for some extra picks and with the rest of them stand pat.
Doing this- Williamson will get more minutes and hopefully continue his development- same with McGowan since someone would have to fill in for the top line after burns leaves- those are the 2 that have impressed me so far.
Trading Miedema for extra picks would help for next year and try and land a 2025 second since we don’t have one right now. Also would push weir/buttar/kelly up the lineup. With whoever it is- extra minutes and playing with better players against other teams top 6 will help their development largely.
Next year they have 2 first rounders to trade if they want (don’t have to trade either, could just trade 1 if need be) and an abundance of picks along with Battaglia, Hopkins having another year of development. OAs to choose from- Soto, vaccari(could upgrade if need be), McGowan, uens.
Highest we finish this year imo is 4th but could finish 5th/6th depending on what we do and a couple other teams. Regardless we’re out in second round. Don’t think we should plan on going for it really just to get 1 more week of hockey and the end of the season