I suppose we should get used to the idea of every available RHD being desired by some portion of our fan base until we have the top pairing RHD solution most of us are happy with.
This one seems a bit far fetched to me though. We are talking about a guy who is their what? #2 or 3 asset? He is young and plays a critical position. Do not see them trading him, do not see them trading him to us, do not see us parting with the assets it would take.
I am going to agree with Ulf in that I am not sure the "rebuild" is as done as some think. We have always had the philosophy of sheltering the young guys so I would not read too much into our summer FA signings. Marleau is here to be an example and leader more than anything and Hainsey appears to have been brought in to shelter Rielly. Next year represents what could be another major transition.
Yes I think we'll keep JVR, Komo and maybe Bozak for our playoff run but this is more about playoff experience and learning to win then Cup expectations in my opinion. Next year we are presumably replacing JVR with Leivo, Bozak is replaced by a shifted Nylander who is in turn replaced by Kapanen on the wing, Shosh can replace Komo, our bottom pairing is entirely in flux and could easily see Dermott on it, maybe even Timmy. So that may mean out going is JVR, Bozak, Komo and Polak and Carrick (I think he has no future here) all replaced by kids. Next year could be a heck of transition year but should also represent a roster far closer to our team going forward.
OEL, Karlsson and Doughty all hit the market the summer after next. I could see us moving for one of them next year to extend if we have an indication one of them wants to be here, ideally Doughty I guess. To me that is the ideal solution. There is no urgency, our window is pretty big and I just don't see paying much more than a first and some depth prospects (basically anyone but Kappy or Timmy) to upgrade our D, especially in view of that FA crop coming up soon and right after the transition year.
I'd love to have the player but do not see this one happening.