It's going to be hard to resist picking up some guys, not even "grinder/fodder" types but decent ones, since the market is just going to be really hard on UFAs this summer, and there are going to be lots of players available on relative "bargain" contracts.
They'll say in the Presser today that the goal is to compete and make the playoffs, but I'll be very surprised if they do sign anybody now. Which to me, says the goal isn't that firm. Sotto voce they are also going to be saying they're satisfied with not competing and getting a higher draft pick instead, if the team doesn't perform some miracle.
Johansen comes back for certain now, we can stop all that LTIR talk. Duchene's injury sounds almost more worrying now - just in the sense that we've seen in the past "little things" can change Duchene's game a lot, like switching up his stick length, and I wonder what having the bionic finger will do to him.
I have my jaundiced eye ready for today's Presser. They are going to say nice things, heart-warming things, brimming with positivity and hope.
But I will try not to be fooled. Hynes back, worrisome injuries, sitting on unused Cap... I think these are things that put huge dents in my optimism for next season.