If they got to game 7 of the Cup Finals, I think a lot of it subsides even if they don't win. Sure, the initial sting of losing the championship will hurt a lot and people will lash out due to it but when it would be put into perspective, that would be an absolutely positive season. But is that a realistic expectation at this point? Is that even something you can convince yourself is a longshot possibility?
I can't unless there is some huge strides taken by a few players or impact trades are made.
I can convince myself of one or two longshot possibilities. One is that we actually have a case where we can have competent defensemen in Burns, Braun, or Demers on each of our pairings for once. Put any of those guys with Vlasic and you can make very different types of top pairings. Considering the Tennyson signing, I'm somewhat convinced they're gonna attempt to put one of the RDs on LD though. LD depth still sucks, don't get me wrong. If they seriously change their mind about competing, they go and get a real LD.
Vlasic-Braun Vlasic-Demers
Irwin-Burns Burns-Braun
Hannan-Demers Irwin-Tennyson
xxx=whichever rookie or extras
I won't try to convince you that it's a great situation but it's what is currently there at the beginning of the 3rd week of FA.
The forwards still here are the forwards that were counted on to do something in addition to a healthy Torres and an improved Hertl and Nieto. Regardless of the stupid goon signings, Let's say:
Wingels-Thornton-Pavelski
Marleau-Couture-Nieto
Torres-Hertl-Sheppard
xxx-Desjardins-xxx
xxx=Burish/Kennedy/Scott/Brown/Oleksuk/Hayes/Hamilton/Tierney
Ideally some of the more expensive crappier guys like Burish and Kennedy are moved. Also, substitute players in the top 9 as you see fit. It's a fairly flexible group even if the Couture-Marleau duo is considered more static.
Goalie situation is a little iffy because I don't know what we'll be getting out of Niemi or Stalock. Niemi's career has been somewhat short as a starter and it's been on a rollercoaster trajectory IMO. Stalock is new blood but it's not improbable for him to take over. He could either go the way of Lindback or Bishop. One failed, one studded up.
There are question marks but the game's not played on paper.