In football, to win you need 1) qb 2) D line 3) O-line, in that order.
In hockey it's the same. 1) G 2) Top 4D 3) 2 good C's
Every move we talk about i look at through that lens. We've got plenty of talent in the organization at W and depth D. To get to the next level, we still need an effective 2C (hopefully Cozens), but even more we need a top 4 RD. If it were up to me, knowing how hard it is, I'd be doing everything in my power to acquire that. Even if they wont be ready for a couple years. Even if it costs a lot. Even if they have an ugly contract.
Jiricek, Parayko, Matt Roy, Marino, Weegar, Borgen. All would work for me. If any of those guys could be had, I'd have already gotten them.
People are surprised Washington is good this year. Look at their D and how they added to it this off-season. Suddenly they jumped a level. Not surprised.