Here's the thing -- your proposed roster is very realistic for what we should expect. And a (slight) upgrade from last season objectively.

But is this the right direction for the take to team? That's where I'll strongly disagree.

Perfect deal for what I was expecting for Balcers on a side note.

Team is fine-ish. I would give Haula less and swap out Rittich for Mrazek at the same cap hit though.

100 percent agree. This team should blow it up. Trade hertl and maybe Kane. But they won’t.

This team can make the playoffs in a very weak pacific. Goaltending is much improved. Defense was better under bob. And we add a skilled middle 6 forward we can sell if we suck.

Mrazek is probably a tad better but he will want some term and we don’t need a backup past this year.

The coaches clearly preferred Viel to Gabriel last year (which I agree with, for the record) and I sincerely doubt that Gaber gets re-signed to San Jose.