I'm not saying we'll go crazy. But we have two games left before the TDL, and it's not unthinkable that we'll be pretty solidly in the playoff hunt after those games. At that point, maybe we can't sell some of the assets we would likely be looking to sell otherwise (Boyle, Flip, Bishop). Or maybe a Bish-for-Shattenkirk deal suddenly makes sense ( if management weighs out Bishop vs. Vasy+Shattenkirk and concludes the latter gives us a better shot).
I mean, yeah, we've been bad this year. But this is still the team that made back to back ECFs, and was two games from a cup two years ago. We could be getting some version of Stamkos back within a month or so. It depends on how the next week goes, but if we get some help like we did last night, I don't think it would be crazy for management to decide it's worth investing a little bit in this year.
ADD: But that's my view. I guess the question I'm asking is just, what would have to happen between now and trade deadline to make someone think we should try to make a push? Or is it even possible for us to get in that position (from your view) right now? Like, if by some miracle, we're two points out, or even tied, should we still be approaching the deadline like sellers? Or just stand pat? Or, at that point, should we be looking to make the team better for this season? Is there a tipping point?