Trouba and Kreider both have their NMCs end in 2 years, after which they are tradeable. Schneider is the long term replacement for Trouba. Hopefully one of Othmann or Cuylle can replace Kreider's goal scoring. Or maybe Laf can learn to play Kreider's role on the PP. He had a nice deflection goal recently and another goal off a rebound just outside the blue paint.
Our only real issue long term is 2C, and we have limited cap space next year to fill that position. We can clear some space if we trade Chytil and/or Nemeth. Nemeth should be gone regardless.
Short term, we need a RW and maybe a LD. Adding someone like Rakell makes sense. He can score goals, play RW and is on an expiring contract. If we are adding anyone with term, they need to be a center. Preferably, a good 2 way center. We are more likely to address that need in the summer, I think.
Again, we aren't going all in. We should not be treating this as a 1 or 2 year window to win. We are one of the youngest teams in the league and have a bunch of young players who have yet to peak. Older players will be moved eventually, whether they maintain their current play or not. That's just the way it is with the salary cap. Teams need a steady influx of young talent to remain contenders while staying under the cap. Which is exactly why Schneider will not be traded.
