How I would like the offseason to go:
Trouba to Utah for one of their 2nds: They literally don't have a single NHL defenseman signed for next year at this point. Trouba is a big name, and could draw some attention for new fans. As of right now, they're over 20M below the cap floor...
Lindgren's rights + 30OA to Vegas for Theodore.: Vegas is in a major Cap crunch, and just signed Hanifin to a long term deal. The writing is on the wall for Theodore. They add an NHL D and save some Cap in the process.
Sign Scheider to 3.5M X 3: This is the Lindgren deal adjusted for inflation.
Utah's 2nd + our 4th for Farabee: TBH I haven't the slightest idea of what fair value would be in this deal. He's a decent young player, but making 5M for the next 4 years. Would be a calculated risk.
Chytil & Kakko for Zegras: Ducks get 2 young players, save about 1M in the process. Might have to add in another prospect here.
This leaves us with ~7.6M to fill the remaining 2 spots. Plenty of ways to play it at this point, and I think this is where you see what's available on the UFA market.
Id love to see us pick up Sean Walker at 4M X 4
maybe aube-kubel @ 2M on a 1 year deal, Craig Smith?
That leaves us with 1.6M in Cap space to start the year. plenty of wiggle room to make something happen at the deadline.
Panarin - Tro - Laf
Kreider - Zib - Farabee
Othmann - Zegras - Aube-Kubel/Craig smith
Cuylle - Edstrom - Vesey
Rempe
Brodz
Theodore - Fox
Miller - Schneider
Jones - Walker
Mackey
Shesty
Quick
This lineup drastically improves the Defense. Offense is a bit of a question mark considering 25% turnover, but I think it will be fine. It also allows for competition. Berard/Sykora/Othmann, etc. have plenty of opportunity to break into the lineup. If none of them step up, then we can be more aggressive at the deadline.
Next offseason would be tough considering Miller, Theodore, Jones, Laf and Shesty would all need new contracts. That is probably the time to start talking about moving Zibanejad, but we can cross that bridge when we come to it. We will have options.
Thoughts?