Buffalo: Dylan Cozens, maaaybe Alex Tuch (if they don't think he will re-sign).
Cozens: I'm not big on him. He has a cute nickname and he's projectable as a big, right handed guy who has scored 30. I would take him for sure as a distressed asset, but wouldn't pay a premium.
Tuch: doubt very much he is available, but would be a great add.
New York Islanders: Matt Barzal (really unlikely he's available).
Barzal: If we could get him as a distressed asset (like Lekkerimaki, Hoglander, and maybe our 1st) I would strongly consider it. Speed and puck transporting for days. Not sure he's exactly the right temperament for what we need. But think the Islanders will double down for the umpteenth millionth time and probably re-sign Nelson LOL.
Ottawa: Josh Norris, maaaybe Drake Batherson (very unlikely).
Norris: I don't mind him as a distressed asset. He makes a lot of money, but he's got a serious weapon in his shot, he's faster than I give him credit for, and his development has been hampered by injuries but there's still potential there. If he's cheap (asset wise) and you have reason to believe he's over his injuries, I'm not dead set against it.
A few thoughts on guys I had in mind. Apologies for the long post.
With Cozens, I'd look at him as a distressed asset from the standpoint that Pegula might tell Adams to cut bait on the salary since the bang for the buck is pretty low at this point in time, there's no guarantee he'll even rebound to his production of a couple of years back in that environment, and the Sabres are going nowhere once again. Big kid can skate and play the body, not so good on faceoffs and possession stats aren't exciting, maybe Henrik helps turn him into an NHL center, maybe not, but he'd at least be a serviceable winger. What about the cost with other teams apparently having a high degree of interest?
Tuch would be a great addition, one more year left on a value contract, good ES producer heavy on the OZ starts, and his wife is from here, but he grew up a Sabres fan, and there's no reason to move him unless they're concerned about his ask on an extension or his domestic situation pushes him this way. He'd cost a lot.
Barzal would be a nice get, he might even be ready to move on himself, but like you say Lou Lam and the Isle will probably be doubling down, he's a key guy for them, and is now out for a while. But this is also where I could see Boeser agreeing to an extension, he's buds with Horvat and has proven chemistry with him, and it's also a team that might see value in Soucy as an adder. What else would the Canucks have to add to those two?
I've watched quite a few Sens games and sometimes Norris really impresses, he has a great shot, can play the body, holds his own on faceoffs and has played quite well defensively and on the PK this season. Durability is a real concern, and the Sens are in a playoff position, he's second on the team in goals, and there's no real motivation to move him unless ownership wants to cut some salary, or he wants out. They'd want a player or two in return that can contribute right now, as opposed to futures, and likely wouldn't take Boeser on as a rental.
I don't know if the buddy angle with Norris and Hughes would be a determining factor as far as Hughes extending either. Quinn's dad is a hockey lifer, he's prepared his boys for all the ups and downs of the pro game, on and off the ice, and Quinn's his own guy. This is his team, I think he extends as long as the team is competing.
I'll also add, I think Hughes has been kept in the loop as to the potential player moves relative to Miller and Pettersson, and he's on board.
