Elite talent matters. In a rebuild, getting elite talent takes a team to that next level of rebuilding to competing. Just look at what Connor McDavid did for the Oilers, or what Henrik Lundqvist did for the Rangers. Elite talent brings a team to the next level. But elite talent does not mean instant wins. Well built teams have secondary and tertiary scoring. It’s why role players are so critical to success.
Let’s flashback to the Rangers in 2012-2013. After recognizing a need for another elite level talent, the Blueshirts sacrificed their great depth to acquire Rick Nash to go alongside Marian Gaborik.