re: What do Pels need to do to ever reach the Finals?

In my mind:

1.) Hope the new CBA is such that AD will not want to leave that much money on the table and he isn't confrontational enough to force a messy trade.

2.) Draft and pray. No big name FA's/major trades are coming here with the assets we have and the situation we are in. A good draft pick could give us the ammo we need in a blockbuster deal or be that long-term piece. Plus, we need cheaper, quality role players instead of this rotation of journeymen that come in and out every season which requires overpays to keep long-term,

3.) Upgrade lead decision-makers from coach on up. And along with that, invest major money into improving the internal operations. Minny incorporated the Mayo clinic to help improve their medical infrastructure. There is no reason we shouldn't look to do something similar here. Or in some other way.