Overview

• In rare public remarks, Plattner said the franchise should have begun a full rebuild two years earlier than 2022 and wants the team competing for a playoff spot by 2026–27.
• He criticized the Erik Karlsson acquisition and eight-year, $92 million extension, saying that and other lengthy deals under Doug Wilson limited roster flexibility during the flat-cap years.
• Plattner expressed regret over parting with Josh Norris and the unprotected first-round pick that became Tim Stutzle, and he lamented not retaining Joe Pavelski in 2019.
• He faulted former scouting director Doug Wilson Jr.’s draft record as a factor in the downturn, calling the hiring a mistake on his part.
• Pointing to recent first-rounders Macklin Celebrini, Will Smith, Michael Misa, Sam Dickinson, Quentin Musty and goalie Josh Ravensbergen, he praised the young core, urged patience with teenagers and rejected angling for next year’s top pick.