I have proposed trading for Trouba, but I'm not inclined to give up more than Skjei to get him. We have more depth on the left side and can afford to let him go to get a quality defender on the right side. If Winnipeg wants significantly more the Skjei for Trouba, forget it. Skjei is cost controlled at a manageable number for the next 5 years. Trouba is a pending RFA who may take the team to arbitration, get a 1 year deal, and then walk. Both players are 25, so I don't see that as a problem regarding our timeline. Trouba will be 27 and in his prime when we are ready to compete again. A 7 year deal would take him to 32.
If Trouba isn't the guy, maybe we look at someone like Ristolainen. Or if not him, then maybe there's a deal to be made for a prospect who is NHL ready. Could we pry Cal Foote out of Tampa if we take Callahan and give them back their 2nd round pick? Maybe not, but it's worth asking. Is there any chance of getting someone like Carlo?