There was a point where I kinda felt for these guys, a lot of them playing in positions and roles over their heads, offered contracts they'd be foolish to turn down before they were really ready...
But I think the thing that's souring me on them (besides all the losing) is that they just don't seem to be trying to change their games at all.
If you're slumping or the team is slumping, why not try some uncharacteristic things to see what happens? Especially the guys who already made their money, what do they have to lose? Whatever led to a mistake you made (and they're all making mistakes all the time), do the exact opposite next time. Push yourself, be desperate, hit more, dangle less... if you see a player against the boards with the puck, don't sidle up next to him and kick your feet around a little, go SCREAMING in there with your body or your stick and don't take no for an answer.
The idea that a player is soft in front of the net or weak in 50/50 battles and that it can't be learned is so weird to me. Just try it. Try something ffs. They're talented enough to find something that works but these guys are all the exact same players they were a few years ago, the league just figured them out. They've tried nothing and they're all out of ideas.