Aho, Slavin, Williams, Turbo, and Staal should be confident in their spots on the team. Lindholm is a guy I see a bit different than most. He hasn't lit it up, but it seems like the corner is about to be turned. The problem is that the corner always seems like it's ready to be turned with him. I don't know if his trade value makes it feasible to shop him.
I wonder if Rask was playing with one shoulder all year and that was the reason for the regression. If so, we should fire RF again for letting him grind that out with help in Charlotte a phone call away. If he was dealing with a broken wing, I wouldn't sell low on him now.
McGinn plays a game that this team is sorely lacking and it would take a bigger return than he'd bring back in order for me to part with him.
I'd like to see Skinner and Faulk moved, not because they are useless, but because they have been part of the problem for too long and have too much of the stink of the losing culture on them.
I would listen to trade proposals on Hanifin, Fluery, and Pesce. It would have to be a good return that would address the forward issue. I see Dahlbeck and TVR as having more value to the Canes at their pay grade than any return could bring.
Nordy and PDG? One can stay and one can go. I don't have a lot of reason to say keep either, but we need to ice a 4th line.
Kruger, bye bye.
Darling. Buyout ASAP. He's a sunk cost and the sooner they accept that and move on, the sooner we can all exhale. Any guy that gets his big break, signs the big deal to be a starter, and comes to camp fat and out of shape doesn't have the drive this team needs.
UFA's
Ward - I'd be okay with him being the backup. I thought he did okay in that role until he had to shoulder the starter's load again. I also would be fine with another backup if the new GM can find a starter and a backup.
Stemp and Ryan - it's been real, and it's been fun, but it hasn't been real fun. I see them as easily replaced. Ryan is the softest of soft.
Needs
Starting goaltender. Goes without saying. Maybe a trade that can be made at the draft. Not much in the UFA pool. It must be addressed.
A top 6 forward, preferably a 1C, but those don't grow on trees. That is going to take some kind of trade moving a piece or two that is going to cause some heartburn, but is needed to make this team get over the hump.
A defensive gray beard. Somebody that has seen a thing or two about a thing or two. I'm assuming a Dman will be traded, so this opens up a slot. This team misses the stability that Hainsey brought and that influence is sorely needed.
Toughness. A couple of guys that are sore losers and who have anger management issues. I'm tired of the blandest of bland.
You just can't address all these needs and bring everybody back that is currently on the roster. Moves must be made, or we'll be right back here next April.