Quoting: goodjobbjs
If they develop and wait for a few more seasons, half the guys they have now won't have any value. That's my worry now. Just not enough roles available. They could always add more prospects to something like this. I think they should be willing to trade anybody not named Werenski or Fantilli
Which half of the guys won't have any value? Only Gaudreau, Jenner, Gudbranson, Severson and Merzlikins are signed through 2025-26 or later and will be over the age of 28.
If we wait a couple years, Fantilli, Brindley, Sillinger, Johnson, Mateychuk, and Jiricek won't have even hit their prime, they'll be 23 or younger. Texier, Marchenko, Voronkov, Chinakhov will be 26 or younger, just finally hitting their prime. Werenski and Laine will be 28.
I think people forget just how young this team is, 2nd youngest in the league. There really isn't an option other than wait for the next core to develop. Building around Jenner, Gaudreau, etc. isn't it. We tried that this year, and it's clear there isn't enough supporting cast to push for the playoffs yet. It's 100% fine to let the young core develop another couple of years and let Gaudreau, Jenner, and any other vets that stick around take lesser roles on a more competitive team.