Quoting: RussianRangers9
we could have a window for 5 years to be honest but this diminishes it to 3
I think 5 years is possible considering the direction of our division. WAS, PIT have declining cores. In 5 years, both are likely rebuilding. The Islanders look like they hit their wall. Philly looks like they are about to implode. And the Devils and Blue Jackets have some prospects coming, but will be nothing special. Its really us and Hurricanes for next 5 years.
I think to do that, we need to fill 2C, make sure Shesty is locked up when his deal runs out, and lock up Kakko, Lafreniere or Kravtsov (hopefully two or more of them).
If our core is Shesty, Fox, Trouba, Zib, Panarin, Kreider, Laf, Kakko, 2C for next five years. We should have plenty of ELCs and cheap veterans to make out the roster.
In other words, many of our prospects are expendable.