Right now, the big decisions are Pettersson, the goaltending and the middle-six forwards imo. There is no way we can continue to win games consistently with the lack of production we are receiving from the likes of Drew O'Connor, Anthony Beauvillier and the two players we scratch up front (Hayes and Puljujarvi, through no fault of his own). Tomasino has had a couple of mediocre performances and he is already in Sullivan's dog house (shocker). Glass is clearly not as good as the No. 2 RW as he is as the No. 3 C.
The first line is dominating right now, and Bunting and Malkin can and are producing. If we can put a third line together with Glass and Tomasino together, then I think it starts to look interesting. Lizotte is perfect in that fourth-line center role and Acciari is much better as a winger and always has been.
O'Connor on the fourth line would improve the depth, too. I suppose we could either call up Koivunen or reinsert Puljujarvi to play on the third line, which leaves us with a hole at No. 2 RW (again).
I wonder if we could get a top-six winger for Pettersson. This defense is scary without him, but his departure is likely only a matter of time. I would still look to see what it would cost to keep him. Marcus Pettersson is invaluable for this team at this time. The other option might be to trade a goaltender. Jarry seems to have righted the ship TO SOME EXTENT, and Nedeljkovic was always the easier player to move. I wonder if Ned for a young-ish winger makes sense. Would the Habs have interest? Does Ned for Joshua Roy make sense?
I also think we should keep an eye on Dallas. I think they are planning changes soon. There are lots of forwards on that team who could help. Obviously, Pettersson would interest them.
This team can make the playoffs, like it or not. We just need middle-six forward production and we are getting nothing from the third line. It's a problem.