Go and make a splash and ship out one of the 'core' players. Free up cap space. I'd be calling Sakic right now to see if Coyle will help them out. Zacha as well.
Then call Utah with the same offers.
Monty will be the first domino to fall cause that's just how the NHL goes, but if you want to send a real message then a member of the leadership core gone either at the deadline or next offseason. Can't be McAvoy or Pasta, and Marchand is a legend that deserves to finish his career here. But Carlo or Coyle are fair game, both have been here for a long time now and established themselves as leaders. You want to send a message to the rest then that's how you do it.
I think Coyle needs to go as well. I'm less reluctant on Zacha because he can support Pastrnak if he's the 3rd best forward on that line. I'm not ready to move Carlo just yet either. Defensive depth is just too important.
I would specifically look at the Predators. Definitely not on Coyle's 8 team no trade. They've been rumored to be looking for a center and have three 1st round picks. Geekie can go as well.
Elias Lindholm makes Coyle redundant. They really need to focus on getting 1st line C/LW and a 2nd line RW. Something like Zegras and Vatrano. Great mix of speed, playmaking and one nasty shot
Zacha Zegras Pastrnak
Marchand Lindholm Vatrano
Frederic Poitras Brazeau
4th
Lightning made some ballsy moves this offseason trading Sergachev and letting Stamkos walk. I mean these were HUGE core guys for them. Total change of locker room type of moves (for different reasons) but they are humming along just fine this year.
We didn't win with Coyle as our 3C, didn't win last year with him as our 2C and he's been abysmal in the playoffs both times. Time for a change but I think you start with him.