I know the narrative is " Management tanks players do not" and in many cases I agree. the term tank is really understood to mean "intentionally losing". This is an AI description

" Tanking in the NHL refers to the practice of intentionally fielding non-competitive teams to take advantage of league rules that benefit losing teams."

And we do see this happen of course in the league. It is now more commonly known as a rebuild. In this scenario like we are seeing with Chicago, Vancouver and Calgary it is unlikely that there is a lack of trying from players to often and more likely just growing pains as young players learn their way in the NHL and most of the highly skilled vets are shuffled off to other teams to acquire ore young players. This leaves vets that are playing for new contracts that are not top end and young players that  are also trying to solidify themselves in the league. Probably not to much of players not doing their best in this scenario

However... The Florida Panthers last year? 

1) Almost all veterans on the team with long term contracts and NMCs. The young players 2)they do have like Samoskevic probably do not see themselves taking a roster spot anytime soon in the top 6.

3) Best player in Barkov is injured for an undetermined about of time and Tkachuk. Who had surgery late in the summer was projected out 2-3 months. 

4) The Panthers had traded their 1st overall top 10 protected to Chicago and would need to be the 10th worst team or worse to take the pick or use it in a trade.

This left Florida weaker but on paper still with a very good chance to make the playoffs 

I think the best way to go with this is just ask questions and you can respond in the comments.

Do you think there is a point when players start to coast if they know it would be better for the team in the long run? 

Is it possible teams have a little more fun on the road in a scenario like this? 

Do you think players will start playing a little less physical to stay healthy for the next year?

Could a G.M. give a little nudge to his players that they will be looking to add for the next year? Possibly a wink as well? 

Do you think that not giving that extra effort is the same as tanking when one knows the benefit of doing so?

Is it possible that in same way all the players can fall in line or most anyways and do what is best for the team if they are on the same page? 

Blatantly trying to lose? No. Not being all that upset if they do? Maybe.