If I can inject a bit of positivity - I think overall, the prospects/young guys are progressing this year and I think you can argue that for long term future of the contention window, this year has been a positive (hear me out).
- Ed is legit. That wasn't a sure thing. Look at Jiricek. Having 2 legit first line D's is huge.
-Kasper is up, like we wanted, and though the points aren't there yet, I think overall he's showing he belongs and should be set up very well for next year.
-Cossa looks amazing so far in GR. He's carrying a heavy load and is rocking a .937 save percentage. He looks ready to be the back up next year.
-ASP has taken things to another level as well and I would say he's closer than we thought to being ready. Again, it's looking very possible that we have 3/4 of the top 4 D set.
-Lombardi has taken a step up in GR. Still a question mark on if he makes it IMO, but he's doing everything right so far.
-Danielson and MBN have started to pop after admittedly slow starts to the year.
-Last but not least, Buch might be for real. 26 points in 27 games in the KHL. He looks legit. Obviously still a question mark on if/when he comes over and his size, but there's a chance we hit the lottery.
Ok that's it. Back to our ranting.