Edited May 16 at 3:09 p.m.
For those who argue the core can still work will show roster construction since JT entered and highlight why over the 6 years it had not worked and why trimming around the edges again dump
2018-2019
Johnsson-Matthews-Nylander
Hyman-JT-Marner
Marleau-Kadri-Kapenan
Ennis-Gauthier-Brown
Rielly-Hainsey
Muzzin-Zaistev
Gardiner-Dermott
Anderson
Hutchinson
Lost in 7 to BOS
2019-2020 (Babcock out Keefe in)
Hyman-Matthews-Marner
Mikheyev-JT-Nylander
Johnsson-Kerfoot-Kapenan
Engvall-Gauthier-Spezza
Rielly-Ceci
Muzzin-Holl
Dermott-Barrie
Anderson
Campbell
Lost in play-in tournament in 5 to CBJ
2020-2021 (Canadian division)
Hyman-Matthews-Marner
Galchenyuk-JT-Nylander
Engvall-Kerfoot-Mikheyev
Thorton-Spezza-Foligno
Rielly-Brodie
Muzzin-Holl
Sandin-Bogosian
Campbell
Anderson
Lost in 7 to MTL (blew a 3-1 series lead)
2021-2022
Bunting-Matthews-Marner
Kerfoot-JT-Nylander
Engvall-Kampf-Mikheyev
Kase-Blackwell-Spezza
Rielly-Lybushkin
Muzzin-Brodie
Giordano-Liligren
Campbell
Mrazek
Lost in 7 to TBL
2022-2023
Bunting-Matthews-Marner
Jarnkrok-JT-Nylander
Knies-ROR-Acciari
Kerfoot-Kampf-Lafferty
Rielly-Schenn
McCabe-Brodie
Gio-Liligren
Samsonov
Murray
Won in 6 vs. TBL, lost in 5 to FLA
2023-2024
Bertuzzi-Matthews-Domi
Knies-JT-Marner
Jarnkrok-Holmberg-Nylander
Dewar-Kampf-Gregor
Rielly-Lybushkin
Benoit-McCabe
Edmundson-Liligren
Samsonov
Woll
Out in 7 vs. BOS
Notice all the trimming around these big 4, all the various Dman and goaltenders heck even a changed coach and the results have almost stayed the same. Can go into more detail but yea no more trimming time to hit the bullseye at the center. Time for one or two of the big 4 to go
As you just cannot build a balanced team 2024-2025 with all of them there