I think your last bold answers the question of your first bold, your take on the Wings is over the top.
If the Wings sign JT, they are set on forward for years, so then the focus shifts to D. In a perfect world we draft Dahlin, now I know that will not likely happen, but this question is hypothetical. IMO for us to get JT to begin with, the first step is landing Dahlin. If that happened and we go into next season with Daley, E, DD, Dahlin, Hronek, and fingers crossed Chowolski as our top 6, I dont think that is a dumpster fire. It's not great, but I didnt say we are winning the cup next year.
Landing Dahlin doesn't change our D overnight. He's got a lot to learn playing against men.
He didn't stand out in the least in the Olympic game I watched.
If he replaces Green it's probably a wash, at best for a year or two, before you start seeing him take off.
JT should really help at forward.
But realistically, JT is no better than Zetterberg was for us last year, when we failed to make the playoffs.
I think if you can make JT fit reasonably well, the best reason to do it is the mojo.
You're letting everyone know the Red Wings are a destination again.
Dahlin or not, that's a pretty important factor with Karlsson, Doughty, McDonough, OEL, Ellis, and Myers potentially on the market.
So even if you get Hughes or Bouchard or Dobson, landing JT might help you get a veteran defenseman who could help that kid.
If you sign JT, it needs to be your priority to dump Helm/Ericsson/Nielsen whoever ASAP to make sure you have the flexibility to sign one of the D who'll be available.
That also means, no resigning Green
