The Vegas Golden Knights and the quality vs. quantity debate

Is there a chance for a middle ground?

There is, but drastic measures would be taken to make that happen. For example, there would be more than one major trade to offset salary. That would require getting rid of starters just to find the perfect balance. Team chemistry is a valuable intangible, with the new group needing time to gel with the established player.

A perfect non-hockey example of this is the Seattle Mariners. They've been a winning franchise since Jerry DiPoto took the reins of the front office. They broke their 20-season postseason drought and made the MLB playoffs as a wild card. However, the constant trades haven't done much to push the team to the World Series or win the AL West. With players such as Ketel Marte and Teoscar Hernandez leaving via trade or free agency, the M's are stuck in a vicious cycle of "good, but not great."

"But they're currently in first in the AL West!"

While that might be true, the division is currently down. The Vegas Golden Knights play in a division with rapid risers like the Vancouver Canucks. They also have established rivals like the Edmonton Oilers and upcoming teams like the Seattle Kraken and Anaheim Ducks. For Vegas, they must carefully pick the path they want to tread this summer. If they try doing both, it'll be the classic verse of "cutting off your nose to spite your face."