He could bring one forward in the equation. A new one better than Newhook, equal to Suzuki of Slaf, CC. And young enough for the window.
I really don't think so as all UFA's are overpaid and he is smart enough to avoid that. He will want another younger forward, likely with a little size who has top 6 potential. I can not see him burying Newhook behind a veteran UFA acquisition when the whole point was to give him opportunities that he was not getting regularly with Colorado.
Gumming up the lineup with veterans seems to be exactly the opposite of his short term vision. I believe that he will want to see as many young players as possible push this team close to playoff contention before even considering a significant UFA.
I guess it is a never say never situation but it is very difficult to rationalize under the current circumstances. I do wonder if he takes a reclamation/change of scenery shot at players like Holloway, Sillinger, Kaliyev, Foudy, Jarventie etc.
My personal favourite would be to try and pry Neighbours from St.Louis with some of our assets. The Leafs desperately need an infusion of talent on the blueline and Knies would be a perfect target but I don't see that happening lol.