I agree. There is no reason why we can't win without McJesus and no reason why we will automatically win with him. If the "unthinkable" happens and the Sabres win a few games down the stretch then we still have the draft lottery (McDavid) and worst-case scenario we end up with one of the better defense prospects in years (Hanifin). And, guys like Strome and Marner might have gone ahead of Reinhart were they in last year's draft. No matter what happens we will have back-to-back top-5 picks, a stocked system, and a ton of cash to spend.
My theory on winning differs from that of most on this forum. I think scoring gets you to the playoffs, but defense and goaltending wins you the Cup. So I personally don't hate the idea of Hanifin should the "unthinkable" happen.