Man, you know it’s already time for offseason doldrums when people start talking in circles. lol
I know at least one of you really, really thinks there’s no way to trade Cirelli and improve the team, but please allow me to simplify this possibility (which I think is a real option for JBB). Here it is … are you ready? You trade him for a top-6 forward still on his ELC.
What?! That’s crazy. But think of it like the Bolts are making a typical Tampa Bay Rays trade. You give up a coveted veteran for a talented youngster AND you get the bonus of freeing up all that delicious cap space.
Since Buffalo was mentioned as a logical trade partner, think about JBB asking for JJ Peterka and telling Buffalo’s GM that if he wants a multi Cup-winning playoff warrior, ya gotta pony up. Buffalo has enough scoring depth to consider it. And if it’s too rich, JBB could switch to Jack Quinn and a pick or another prospect or a wildcard like Krebs who is still developing and could still be a decent middle six guy in a coupla years. Oh and he’s also still on his ELC.
So, in summation: Trade Cirelli for a top-6 forward on an ELC. Sign Stammer. Trade Sheary, Perbix, Jeannot or whatever. Sign another FA to fill out the roster. OK. Thank you for coming to my ted talk.