You seem to ignore the impact of injuries on NHL rosters.
No roster at the start of the season ends up fully healthy. Habs have been one of the most injured teams in the league the past few seasons. The end result isn't a reflection of the roster strength, but rather the end result of how that particular season unfolded.
We've lacked the depth of top 6 & top 4 talent to be a playoff lock, and still do, but the group today is improved in both areas heading into camp... That's what a large U25 core of high end youth provides and the main reason there was no need to make external additions to "keep up with the jones".
I get the impatience. I feel it to.
But look at the context and I think that the emotion is misplaced.
Most of the most active neighbors who made external additions also lost considerably talent (or have vet talent more likely to regress or plateau than progress). Each roster situation is unique, not all rosters need to add to be improved.
"Year 3" is irrelevant. The point is to build towards a contending roster. We are closer to that today than we were at season end... Red Wings are a great example of a rebuild that is stagnating in part because of poor UFA & vet trade additions that added nothing while creating unnecessary road blocks to U25 players who could/should be progressing at NHL level by now. Even though I was in favour of a vet middle 6 addition, or a swing at a Stamkos, I'm glad we didn't force the issue just to add someone for the sake of it.
The right fit (player, personality & contract) was way more important than adding at any cost. Bergevin did that often and we're still paying the price for that poor approach.
"My" top 6? Are you a Habs fan or not?
What evidence do you have that "no attempt" was made? I've seen commentary that suggests quite the opposite. I think you are conflating not finding the right fit with not trying to make an addition.
KH flat out started as much multiple times. And the offseason isn't over. Won't be surprised if we start the season as is, and, won't be surprised to see a movie before opening day. Either way, we are well on track with a better roster, prospect pool and cap structure than a year ago. That's what a proper rebuild looks like... Takes patience to enjoy it