Although I could see us participating in the trade deadline (as in making a big move and strengthening our weaknesses) I could just as likely see the canucks try and make a run at ROR this off season instead of trading for him, seeing as GMMG really tries to play it safe when it comes to trading away core members.
Personally i think we should trade Hamhuis and a depth prospect (like peter anderson) to Colorado for Ryan O'Reilly and a 2nd rounder.
ROR is exactly what we need to keep our top 6 a threat in the league. I have no doubt that he and Kesler could form some ridiculous chemistry, and get both of them going, while it leaves Kassian a spot to move in with a playmaker and twoway forward (in ROR, and Kes).
O'Reilly is 22 years old, and has a contract that is fitting for a 22 year old whos already had a 50+ point season, and is on track to have another great season. Hes a durable two-way forward/playmaker, who predominantly plays center, but can just as easily slot in on the wing. Thats a huge upside for us as we can alternate with him and kesler on the wing and down the middle. He could even slot in on our first line with the Sedins, working along the boards and going to the front of the net, if burrows decides to not show up for a second straight season next year. A Downside to ROR is that he isnt the fastest skater, but I dont see that being a problem at all.
I cant say enough about ROR, and the importance to get him onto this team as soon as possible. He could be an achor on this team for years to come. It'll provide guys like Horvat, Gaunce, Jensen, and Shinkurak with a great core to develope under, and if ROR stays with the team for a long time, it gives them a guy who they can learn under, and eventually play on the same lines with.
I think we should trade Hamhuis and not Edler. The main reason for that is that we want to get younger, and we dont want to get less physical. Hamhuis has started to show signs of rust, and with Hammer being chosen onto the Canadian Olympic Team, his value is as high as its ever going to get.
We can replace Hamhuis calm and cool stay-at-home defensive style with guys like Tanev, Stanton, and recently Diaz (who, despite an skewered opinion in MTL, is predominantly a good stay at home defenceman with a good outlet pass, unless the pass is to Lars Eller).
By keeping Edler we allow our defence to still have some toughness, grit, and offensive upside (despite his year to date). Trading him right now is stupid as his value is so low compared to previous years. I see Edler being paired with Diaz next year (assuming we re-sign Diaz) and forming some chemistry simular to what we saw with Erhoff and Edler in previous years.
We wont get Garrison to waive his NTC. Hes out of the conversation.
If need be, that I'm lowballing RORs trade value, I could see us adding a c+ prospect like Mallet, or Grenier (who I really dont want to loose as he seems like the kind of difference maker you can have on your 3rd and 4th lines in the playoffs).
I could see Hansen being shopped out for a 3rd line scorer, and a 3rd round rounder.
We will not, or at least should not trade away any of our youth. This is a re-tool, not a rebuild, so we dont need to trade away more than 1-2 pieces of our core.
Gillis likes to make his moves on the off-season though, which is all fun and games, but some people who are available during the season, are not during the off-season.