Given the comments pre-draft on Connor by Murray combined with show casing him in a couple of games at the arena, I'll agree to disagree with you on that one.
As for your concerns on your other point, very valid. I didn't expect playoffs, but given the past 2 seasons it's clear regression has set in, injuries or not.
There is a very real culture problem in Sabreland right now. The players, management and ownership are establishing a losing culture and that falls squarely on the GM. He made the personnel decisions we see behind the bench and on the ice. And while I understand Terry Pegula was a part of the process, he hired Tim Murray as GM, which in that position is most certainly an advisor on hockey personnel decisions and made those decisions.
Murray's plan to build "his team" and is on full display. Call me unimpressed with his hockey prowess.