Waddell is not expected to be one of the league’s high-rollers on Friday. He’s already made it clear he’s not in “go-for-it” mode, stating several times that he has no interest in trading a first-round draft pick for a “rental” player who is a pending unrestricted free agent this summer.
But he would like to add a top-nine forward with a history of providing offense, especially with lingering injuries to first-line center Sean Monahan (wrist surgery) and third-line center Cole Sillinger (shoulder), who are both likely out until late March.
“If we can add (to our lineup) around the edges, certainly we’re going to try that,” Waddell said. “I’m more interested in hockey deals with players who have term remaining on their contracts. We’re exploring, obviously, as many of those as we can.”