This is completely false. We need to move some contracts to challenge for a playoff spot next year. Not saying Copp needs to go, and it is very unlikely that he does, but a few needs to go.
Husso, although not sure who we can pick up. Stolarz?
Holl
Maatta
Husso can be bought out.
Holl can be traded with retaing and/or picks
Maatta should be traded
Maybe even Walman.
Gonna have to use 2-3 rookies next year, and just hope they will be ready.
I don't think SY will stray from his plan, the wings will be a bubble team the next year or two, he will jettison some contracts where he can and where it makes sense, if he can make the team stronger without interrupting his plan, he'll do it. The players he brought in on term are as much for character and work ethic as skill.
I can actually see Walman gone by the next TDL (maybe sooner), I don't think he is part of the long term and has a great trade value, I can see any of the elder D-Man moved if he can (except Petry).
The GR grads arriving next year will be ready after their Calder Cup run this year. SY is looking to build a Canes type team, he will have most the first stage backend complete and on the ice in 2-3 years time and they should be together for quite a while. Some will be moved as we just have too many, but we will have a great blueline and some good young goalies in place.
In another couple of years, it won't be playoffs or bust, it will be how long it takes the fresh core to gel to be that year-in / year-out cup contender, I think it will go pretty quick (4-5 years out) if the systems are the same on both teams, SY is building an organization, not just a one and done team.
I think we'll get a few surprises along the way, but they will be deals or steals, something like a trade with Calgary for Markstrom once they can't get a great price from someone else and the market is dry for that cap hit. I suspect Holl has the flames on NTC list, but if he wanted to play, they have a need for a few Vet RD...but short term plugs are just that, I think the serious pieces on trades/UFAs are yet to come.