I would try to trade with Colorado. We are a cheap/austere team, so this fits the mold.
I would trade Lemieux to Colorado, he won't be a minor league star for us, and with the wingers we have he is going to have to fight for playing time. Throw in Hutch.
In return we get Pickard and Wiercoch. Wiercoch is the kind of defenseman we need. Reliable, good on the PK.
We can protect Pickard in the expansion draft, by offering one Perreault, Dano, or Myers. What we build is a goaltending duo for years to come.
I would trade Stafford sooner than later, or at least sit him until we do, so he is doesn't get injured for the 3rd or 4th we fetch.
Defense becomes
Wiercoch-Buff
Morrissey-Trouba
Stuart-Postma
Enstrom takes Stuart's spot when healthy. Poolman is signed to compete with Postma. Myers, probably sits unless we are in contention down the stretch.
Forwards
Perreault-Scheif-Laine
Ehlers-Little-Wheeler
Matthias-Lowry-Armia
Tanev (for PK)-Copp-Dano
Though I would like to see Maurice play Lowry with Scheif and Laine sometime, he would change the dynamic of that line with a physical forecheck and net presence.
Move Copp to 3C, and Perreault down to 4. Different look.
Petan stays with the team. Can fill in a lot of holes. Watching a game or two might help him see things better
I would keep Thorburn here,unless he wants a chance to win elsewhere, in which case i'd give Lipon a chance.