on defense.
1. first call Homer should make should be to the Blues, see if they'd be willing to move Shattenkirk. a lot of Blues fans think it may be time to move him to upgrade their forwards. question is does their management feel the same way?
2. sign Niskanen. still young, fast, mobile. could help replace Timonen if he retires.
3. Boyle. not a huge fan, but could be an okay replacement for Timonen if he retires as well. but I wouldn't go more than a year or two, and we all know Homer, he'd likely offer him something stupid like a 5 year deal. so it might be best to avoid him.
not many other options for defense. i'd say make a strong push for Stattenkirk if he's available or Niskanen as a UFA. otherwise go with the kids to fill in the gaps.
forwards.
we definitely need a sniper to play with Giroux. options are...
1. Ryan. I know some will say just wait until next summer to sign him, but if the Sens can't sign him, they will trade him. and the team that trades for him will do everything they can do extend him long term. he'll be a rental, and if Vanek went for only a 2nd rounder and a prospect, I can't imagine Ryan would be more than that. he could be had at a decent cost. Homer definitely has to at least call Murray about it.
2. Cammalleri. I like this option as well. the guy can still score, and as long as Homer doesn't overpay, could be a nice fit on the left side.
3. Vrbata.
4. Vanek. would be higher if it weren't for what he'd probably cost.
5. Callahan. would be a great fit, but likely Vanek. might be too expensive.
if Ryan and Shattenkirk aren't available. i'd be happy if Homer just added Cammy and Niskanen.
Cammalleri/Giroux/Voracek
Hartnell/Schenn/Simmonds
Raffl/Couturier/Read
Akeson/Laughton/Rinaldo
Streit/McDonald
Niskanen/Coburn
Schenn/Gus
trade Grossmann for picks. and of course there's the Vinny problem. Homer needs to get him to waive his NTC and send him packing. he's nothing more than a 4th liner on this team now.