Did you miss the part about not paying Tavares and finding a 2c that’s younger and improving to pay
The question being, where do you find a 2C that's younger, and still improving? ...and available.
Being available is a rare occurrence. Maybe a player who isn't happy where they are, or one who we believe could be better elsewhere. I guess that's a guy like Dylan Cozens, who might be available from Buffalo. He'd cost a ton, and I'm not sure that we have what Buffalo would want... but he fits the bill.
Or what about Trevor Zegras... I mean this kid has struggled, but he's also shown he can play at a high level.
Or do we look for kids who have underperformed, but appeared to have the capability of being better than they have so far... like Krebs.
Each has their own risk... Can they rebound, or can they reach their potential... clearly a guy like Cozens is the least risk, but the most expensive in every way. Krebs might be the most risk, but is the cheapest in every way.
Are there other young names that could be due a change of scenery? I'd love to go with a younger guy, over a declining older player.