I don't think it's going to be as harsh as some think. I'll take what I saw at the end of last season over 84 games. Without knowing what we get for Eichel or who's in goal, I expect us to finish just outside of the playoffs.
If you recall he had some scoring chances but couldn't cash most of them in. Maybe that's what they see. He gets chances. He just has to close a few more.
When did Jack's neck become a back injury?
The question is how many teams really want Eichel? All you need are two bidding against each other. Right now everyone is playing it cool, trying to see if the rookie GM cracks. So far he's not. Eventually one of the suitors will break rank.
Curious you singled that out. Why not look at Granato past the 18-game losing streak? And BTW Donny has been coaching his entire life too. He's no less experienced than any first time NHL coach.
... Granato gets a full camp to install his system. He fixes Skinner's scoring slump. The kids take a step. Eichel, who has yet to be traded, buys into Granato. Dahlin goes nuts. Ullmark bounces back.