It might sound stupid but the first few years of a kids development is crucial and playing with talent that fit your vision/skillset makes a big difference. Winning Lafreniere would be a miracle for this organization, not only because you’re possibly getting franchise player, but it pushes back depth winger and allows kids who need talent around them to grow. Caufield, Suzuki, Kotkaniemi would all be playing straight up with talented player and so much different line composition possible.
Ex:
Center:
Suzuki
Kotkaniemi
Danault
Poehling
Evans
LW:
Lafreniere
Domi
Drouin
Tatar
RW:
Caufield
Gallagher
Drouin (can play there)
Ylonen
Armia
Trade baits if things fall into place:
Tatar
Domi
Drouin
Danault
Poehling
Ex:
Center:
Suzuki
Kotkaniemi
Danault
Poehling
Evans
LW:
Lafreniere
Domi
Drouin
Tatar
RW:
Caufield
Gallagher
Drouin (can play there)
Ylonen
Armia
Trade baits if things fall into place:
Tatar
Domi
Drouin
Danault
Poehling