Please get a 3C that is skilled and gritty enough for the job

Wallmark is cheap

Poulin shouldn't play with Malkin.
Malkin can be defensively lazy. That's now what you put next to a rookie.

Crosby's line would be the only top 6 role that would work for him.
I like the idea of putting him with McCann and getting a decent center. McCann is defensively reliable, fast and has a lot of offensive pop.
They just need a decent center to put between them.

I liked Wallmark a lot but I'm a little worried now that two teams haven't seen enough from him to lock him down for a couple of years.

I was thinking along similar lines for the third line role. Playing with McCann will force the coaches to insist Poulin checks and uses his body to his advantage.

I do think that 3C would need to be at least an average passer that likes to forecheck as well. The one thing that really bothers me about McCann's game is he seems to avoid contact when things get rough. Need a nice mixture of grit with him and hopefully, middle six skill in Poulin to help.

I just don't want to overpay on either position they'd be fishing for unless they find a hockey trade where salary is going out. I don't see that as a possibility anymore.

Whoever they bring it at 3C and 3RD need to want to be here and not gouge on price.

I don't think they are going to bring in a big checker. They want someone young, fast. My guess is Wennberg or Haula.
Pickings are not that great. But good enough.