They'd better upgrade their defense with a solid veteran, and get some scoring depth before I can say with any confidence that they are a top 8 team in the East.
I agree with everything you've said, except for that. No they're not. They don't have a dynamic line like the Bruins do, nor a top 4 defense like they do.
They keep this roster intact with no improvements in depth scoring or a solid two way veteran defenseman, and they aren't making the playoffs. They aren't better than Washington , Columbus, Boston, Carolina, the Islanders, Tampa or Toronto..probably not even Pittsburgh. as presently constituted. There goes making the playoffs.
I think he grew as a coach, but I also think he has a better defense in St. Louis, to go along with better goaltending, than he ever had here. They talented HARDER in St. Louis.
FYI. I made a small change. I picked St. Louis to win Game 7 over the Jets in Winnipeg. I have 3 first round series going 7, Vegas over San Jose, NY Islanders over Pittsburgh, and the previously mentioned Winnipeg-St. Louis matchup.