Has Dubas set them back or just a declining roster

Wouldn't say he set them back. Yes, he did go after older players but those players are still effectful. GMRH targeted declining older players (Rutta, Granlund, Petry, Bonino, etc) that really did not do much. Dubas is a GM that actual likes to talk and talk about his plan and he has, so far, been very accurate on his past words. The team still needs help w/ their Bottom D pair and 4th line (but we all know why they are failing miserably.. *cough* 77 & 2) but it is nice seeing Shea, Zohorna playing a big part in this team so far. It just sucks how we don't play more of these types of players (younger guys that actually give a **** and play their hearts out) compared to a Carter or Ruhwedel.

(I'm currently praying for Hinostroza to slide into 4RW for Carter).

BOTH


Old team especially in all the key areas, lack of prospects, youth throughout system existed before Dubas, and they missed playoffs.

Most moves were for older guys, added to the existing old guys and a ton of league minimum old guys to paper over the fact that the prospects are bad.

Problem existed before dubas and I dont think he had much choice but to double down, his first acts as GM couldn;t be to trade letang, crosby, malkin, etc....

Maybe a little of both. Karlsson was such a boom or bust trade and so far it's hasn't had the effect that they wanted. It shouldn't really be a surprise his strengths hardly out weight his weaknesses.

The way I look at it is they're 6th in the league in xGF% - so I have a hard time blaming the GM for any roster construction issues. It's not like they're getting dominated night in night out. They're "outplaying" the opposing team almost every game - by that I mean outshooting, out chancing, and out expecting the opposition.

They're just struggling to finish chances - which has been an issue for years before Dubas, so can't blame him there. And aren't getting timely saves when they have defensive lapses. So overall, no, I don't think we can say Dubas has set them back. He was a bit handcuffed coming in - limited cap space, lots of guys on NMCs, limited assets to trade. The only signing he made that has shown to be not too great so far imo is Graves. People will point to Jarry, and he hasn't been great, but goalie options were incredibly limited.

Overall I agree - but why are we still acting like Ruhwedel is costing this team when there isn't really anything to back that up?

He's first on the team in xGF% by a mile for players that have played 6+ games. If anybody else had a 64% xGF% we'd be talking about how amazing they are