Drury, or whomever the GM is, have some really big decisions to make this summer. Here are a few:
1. What do you do with K. Miller - re-sign him long term or deal him. I say deal him. Schneider MUST be in a top 4 role next season, wasting him on the 3rd pair.
2. Can you move at least Kreider - unlikely they can move Zibanejad, and doubt they want to move Panarin.
3. The core MUST be broken up, and that only happens if at least one, and maybe at least two of Kreider, Zibanejad, Panarin, K. Miller, or Fox go. I think at least two should go, most likely Kreider and K. Miller.
4. What do you do with Lafreniere, he was very bad this season. Down season, or regression to his norm, hopefully just a down season. +/- isn't everything, but he's a -14, only awful Zibanejad is worse at a -21. It may not be smart to deal him off this season and get back a lesser return potentially. Not smart to sell low.
5. Can you add a top-level LD to finally give Fox a legit top partner.
6. Can you add a top player upfront.
There are more questions to answer, but that's a good start. Whomever the GM is needs to be bold, aggressive, and think outside the box. We can be back near the top next season if that happens, and we need to be if we keep our pick this year and next year's # 1 goes to the Pens.