Quoting: Xspyrit
No
In today's NHL you can't take too long to rebuild because contracts are 8 years max, stars get PAID right after their ELC and players become UFA at around 26 years old
Clock is already ticking on several contracts, Chabot, Tkachuk and Batherson notably
Fight until the end for the playoffs this season, be smart at the draft (like they usually do minus the Boucher pick). Winning the lottery would be nice for once
Trade DeBrincat for a similarly aged RHD when the opportunity arises
Wait for the team to get sold, then new management will hire a new coaching staff and then the team can fully breakout
Ottawa has tons of time lol Giroux is the next contract to expire at that is in 3 more seasons after this one.
Tkachuk and chabot have 5 more seasons and batherson 4
Ottawa is in no rush, jersey is a perfect example of don’t rush the rebuild when you don’t need to.
Ottawas chances of doing damage next season are much greater with teams like Boston, Pittsburgh gonna be starting to fall of due to age/ retirements, Toronto, Tampa, Florida, Colorado are gonna be running into some serious cap problems.
An addition like fantilli or bedard would be huge for them and the RHD market in the off-season is rather strong, they could also consider moving their top 5 1st for a very good RHD.