If I’m Drury, I’m looking to add before the deadline. The writing for the transition into a competitor has been on the wall since Gorts and JD got the boot last year…we might as well embrace it. And If they really want to take that next step into the upper echelon of the league, they need real playoff experience. Not coasting into the playoffs and getting bounced in 4-5 games in the first round. Contrary to what the schedule says, playoff hockey starts soon for the teams that hope to be involved. Shore up the roster, turn your pace up, make a run at the division, and make yourself known in the playoffs.
That said, I don’t think it makes much sense to put all your eggs in this year’s basket. We can make a few moves to improve our roster in the short term without sacrificing assets we view as long term pieces of the puzzle. The only way I’d move any of the top 5-6 prospects is if we’re adding a piece that fits almost the entire 3-5 year window we have opening. And I’m not sure there’s anyone truly available like that right now.