Define bad? Like not a contender (top 10 team type)? Bad moves can be made, but I’d be pretty surprised if SJ isn’t in the playoffs in 4 years.
Bottom 5-10 next year, likely outside the playoffs in 26-27, and then somewhere between 6-10 the following year (probably based on shootout record). As long as we can get a guy like Schaefer, Verhoeff, or Dupont over the next three drafts (or trade for a legit top pairing guy) I think we’ll be in the playoffs in four years. Three if we’re lucky. We have tons of cap space and only Eklund, Zetterlund, and maybe Walman who will be on big/long contracts when Celebrini, Smith, and Askarov are ready for big contracts.
That's kind of the biggest question. What are their goals/targets over the next 2-3 seasons.
Are they planning on starting the next 2 seasons as being bottom 3 bad to be in the McKenna and Dupont draft lottery sweepstakes? Bottom 3 are the only clubs that have double digit odds to get the top pick.
Last season, Montreal was at about 76 points for 5th worst. But like 5/6 points away from the group that was like 7th-11th worst. Trending to be about that this season too. NYI trending to get 74 points for 5th worst currently. Biggest group of teams will land in the high 70's to low 80's for that group at like 6/7th worst to like 11th worst.
Don't see any moves they can make to make the 26 PO. Even 27 is probably a stretch. But, they should be targeting to get into the 70's in terms of point totals for 26. Wherever that lands them in the standings, so be it. The following year, if they can get into the 80's for 27 is a good step forward. 28 or 29 are probably the most realistic years where they should be targeting making the PO. SJ last PO appearance was 2019. Chicago was in 2020 in that Play-in when they were 12th in the west.
Likely have to add something via trade or be good enough on the ice to convince free agents to sign there. 60 point seasons, not likely to convince anyone to sign unless the money/term is more. That's why they do need to improve up the standings points wise.
If Ana can maintain their current pace which is close to 80 points, they have a much better chance of signing free agents in the off-season. Players can see that they are getting closer to making the PO. Still likely another 13-15 points away, but that is more reasonable than being over 30 points out.
