When I look at the records for other teams that are rebuilding, like CHI, SJ, ANA; I see that AZ/UHC has, for the most part, performed better. UHC is even ahead of them in points this season as well.
Note that all of these teams have had a season(s) where they regressed too.
2024-25 (Current): CHI - 33, ANA - 42, SJS - 34, UHC - 45
2023-24: CHI - 52, ANA - 59, SJS - 47, ARI - 77
2022-23: CHI - 59, ANA - 58, SJS - 60, ARI - 70
2021-22: CHI - 68, ANA - 76, SJS - 77, ARI - 57
*2020-21: CHI - 55, ANA - 43, SJS - 49, ARI - 54 (*56 game season, COVID)
I know you think that BA is blowing smoke up our asses when he says 8+ years, but I don't hear any NHL professionals or journalists challenging it.
If anything, I think that the statistics/comparisons show that 5 years is not enough time to do it (without the moon and stars aligning just right) and that a rebuild isn't going to have a constant upward trajectory - there are ups and downs along the way.
One season of regression doesn't equal failure, It's just a step along the way and a normal part of the process. Growing pains.