Imagine this team with Panarin. I think that was 100% the plan for the next step this season. When he signed with NYR, it totally ****ed us. So we’re stuck with another season same as last year.
question is - what’s the big Panarin type FA to try and land this off season?
It clearly isn't a Panarin-level move, but I really like Mike Hoffman as a goal scorer for the Isles if he hits UFA. He would fill a big need and I think he would fit in well (assuming the off-ice issues aren't a concern).
I don't think the Isles will be able to find a Panarin, either by free agency or trade, so I think they have to ultimately move Leddy+ in trade for a player like Vincent Trocheck or a comparable center. That way the money works as well.
A top-9 of: Barzal, Beau, Nelson, Lee, Bailey, Eberle, Hoffman and a center comparable to Trocheck plus Bellows and/or Wahlstrom should be solid.
With a "fourth" line of Cizikas and Clutter plus one of Johnston or Uncle Leo, depending on the matchup.