In the final phase of the rebuild, the New York Rangers could do worse than look towards the Avalanche for inspiration.
Engulfed in the hockey wilderness for years, Colorado have quietly gone about their business when it comes to stockpiling draft picks and turning them into high-end talent.
That has culminated in a roster that looks primed to be a Stanley Cup contender for years, spearheaded by stars such as Nathan MacKinnon, Mikko Rantanen and Samuel Girard.
Rookie phenom Cale Makar looks to be the future of the blueline while the Avs bolstered their farm system significantly after enjoying a hugely productive 2019 NHL Entry Draft.