Dallas is almost on the right path.....but they kind of went sideways signing Jagr and Whitney last year, made some weird moves the past few years as well. Also I'm not sold on their goaltending either. I agree they do have some pieces. Jury still out on them for me.
- The-O-G

I think lehtonen is solid, and ellis is a fine backup.

Defence is what concerns me. Goligoski and Dillon are quite good, but Daley sucks and Robidas is turning 37 next year.

Hey Colin, do you think a guy like Stajan is considered in this category of 'right' veterans to keep around?
- B_def[/quote

I don't think he will be resigned after this season, but I'm glad he will be here this year (so sad). I would way rather have Stajan playing against other teams top lines over Monahan and Backlund.

Stajan is another guy playing for a contract this year. He is going to try to get paid. I have no expectations for point totals, but if does put in a honest effort every night, I wont complain.

Dallas is almost on the right path.....but they kind of went sideways signing Jagr and Whitney last year, made some weird moves the past few years as well. Also I'm not sold on their goaltending either. I agree they do have some pieces. Jury still out on them for me.
- The-O-G

minnesota has the right mix i think

I find it funny how many of the examples people are using of teams "doing it right" are teams that are average at best, fighting to make the playoffs and no chance of winning it all. (Dallas, Minny, NYI, Edmonton) The is no one model that works. Plenty of teams have won the cup without tanking year after year. At the end of the day you need to draft well, make good trades/signings, and build a TEAM that wants to play for each other and the coach. You also need a little luck.

I find it funny how many of the examples people are using of teams "doing it right" are teams that are average at best, fighting to make the playoffs and no chance of winning it all. (Dallas, Minny, NYI, Edmonton) The is no one model that works. Plenty of teams have won the cup without tanking year after year. At the end of the day you need to draft well, make good trades/signings, and build a TEAM that wants to play for each other and the coach. You also need a little luck.
- flashfire

PIT had a 5th overall, 2 first overalls, and 2 second overall picks before making the playoffs in '08.

CHI had a 3rd overall, a 7th overall, another 3rd overall and a 1st overall pick in '07 then made the playoffs in '09.

LA had a 4th overall, a 2nd overall, and a 5th overall in '09 then made the playoffs in '10.

Unless you're BOS or DET, you likely have to be a bottom sweeper to eventually contend. As for NYI, EDM, and DAL, rebuilds take time. CGY fans are about to learn that. If you look at your current roster and don't think they're headed for bottom 5, then I urge you to look again.