Leaderboard

Actually it is different now. We weren't getting lottery picks in 2011 because we were still making the playoffs. We were picking in the late teens and 20s. Now we're getting lottery picks. 4th year in a row picking in the top 10 and 1st time picking in the top 5. And I suspect that will be the case for a few more drafts to come. So I do think that there is a lot more room for optimism.

Yes. This team needs a few more years of drafting. Which they will. Because they'll finish near the bottom. And get lottery picks. Without trading away the young talent in the team now. You seem to think that this team needs to trade away the Larkins and Manthas and get draft picks back. Which wouldn't be lottery picks anyway. Which seems pointless to me. If this team becomes successful, it will be because they have gotten top 5 picks for the next few seasons. And drafted well with those picks. And added those draft picks to the existing core. The Wings are drafting for sure in the top 4 this draft. And most likely drafting in the top 5 again the following season and at least top 10 the year after that. All 3 of those picks are likely to be high end players at the NHL level. When you consider that we already have 3 likely top 4 dmen and 4 top 6 F on the roster, why would you think we wouldn't be any good if the remaining spots on D and F are filled in the next few drafts with high end draft picks?