I didn't see any highlights of Hague, Glass, Suzuki, and Brannstrom but wonder how far off they are from making the roster. Just from past history, I would think that Glass and Suzuki is at least one more year out and Hague and Brannstrom are most likely at least 2 years out.
A trade for ek65 will be interesting because our farm would take a step back, but would also give the team a nice window of contention.
I've read that the wild might be open to trading brodin or dumba. I'd be open to those guys too. They would still cost a lot in money and assets, but not break the bank that ek65 or jt4 would and we might be able to hold on to one more asset.
Brannstrom and Glass are the closest. I also wouldn't move them. Both could play next year in 3rd line roles. Hague is still a huge wildcard IMO. Can't pinpoint it, but I don't feel as optimistic about Suzuki.
I wouldn't want anything to do with Dumba. He's too much of a gambler for my liking without enough results.
Even if we win 3 straight here I'd be all over in order 1. EK 2. Tavares 3. Carlson. I'd steer clear of the other big names in free agency. I think we have a pretty clear need for a top pair d-man as well as a middle 6 center that can win draws.
In a perfect world you pull off a Theo+Suzuki+Eakin for EK+Bobby trade and look at cheap options in UFA like Derek Ryan and Val Filppula that can win draws and chip in offensively.
Let all the UFA's walk except Reaves (keep him because if you must have an enforcer he's a lot better than the alternatives).
Hope Glass/Brannstrom can earn a spot and this would be an ideal lineup.
Marche-Bill-Smith
Tuch-Glass/Haula-Bobby Ryan
Tatar-Derek Ryan- Haula/____
Nosek-Bellemare-Carpy/Reaves
Mcnabb-EK
Schmidt-Miller
Brannstrom/Merril-Engelland