It seems like everyone needs a 2C right now and only one team can sign Bennett this offseason. Everyone else is settling for the trade market or settling for an over-slotted 3C; it's a game of musical chairs.
I think you're going to have to overpay to land a 2C. I don't think what you've got on the table will get it done.
I think our best bet is to get by with one of or a rotation of Evans, Newhook, Beck, and even Dach when he comes back for the time being, and try for a signing this summer if there’s a fit. If not, then we can wait until a better trade or free agent opportunity comes along down the line, or see if one of Hage, Kapanen, or someone else emerges.
Not ideal, but it beats parting with valuable assets for a stop gap 2C, which is all that is going to be available unless we part with big pieces, which would most likely be a lateral move at best.
Lastly, there is absolutely no need to rush things. We are a rebuilding team, we have good prospects in the pipeline, and a 2C is not going to be the difference between where we are now and being a contender.
If the team makes the playoffs and goes on a bit of a run, and it looks like they are ready to take the next step, then I think they could start looking at making a big move either next deadline or next summer. At this point, it’s a bit premature, and I think management feels the same way, which is why they didn’t pursue anything too aggressively at the deadline.