I dont think he has the balls at this point to come out and say "we are going to be worse next year" and give up the 4th pick and a great guarantee pick in Tkachuk or Zadina in the hopes he wins the lottery next year; especially when you're probably the most hated owner in the league and will already see a loss in attendance.
I dont blame him for taking this pick and risking it next year -- but this is not like when burke gave up 2 1st for Kessel and genuinely thought they would be way better but ultimately came up losing out on Seguin. Gene has to know they wont be better next year -- especially since Florida, Buffalo, Detriot will be better.