Not gonna happen, but here are a few ideas I thought worth spitballing:
1. Word is Lou is going to qualify Ho-Sang. I'm sure it's just a asset management move, but if we're bringing up Wahlstrom, I think we should give Ho-Sang a place on the roster. Having another young, talented skater to compete against might bring out the best in Wahlstrom. And if Ho-Sang proves himself, well, then you've brought a potential bust back from the brink. Way I see it, worst case scenario, you send him back to Bridgeport, no harm, no foul. Best case scenario, the competition brings out the best in both prospects and we have excellent, young, skilled scoring depth.
2. Taylor Hall rumors continue to abound. However, if it's possible to sign Hall to a 1 year "win now" deal, the Isles should do so. Not only would have have the scoring touch to put the Isles over the top, but his contract would be gone by next season, meaning the Isles would have to expose a young forward protecting Hall. If Hall is interested in the Isles at this price tag and insists on more term, the Isles should still sign him, but if Hall signs for one year with NYI, scores big playing with Barzal and Beauvillier and walks into next year's free agency with a lot more of his talent proven and each team likely much more willing to spend, I could see a 1 year "win now" deal for Hall making a lot of sense.
3. Dallas came close to winning it all this year and have plenty of cap space going into this offseason. With the Isles looking to shed cap, I could see Eberle to Dallas as being a potential fit for both sides. The Isles need futures they can use to bribe teams to take more bad contracts and Dallas shouldn't be worried about futures right now, they should be adding more scorers. If this trade goes down, the Isles can take these picks and use them to shed a bad contract like Ladd or Boychuk without having to lose draft capital next year. Trading next year's 1st rounder prematurely might be a bad idea just in case we need to bribe Seattle from taking a valued young skater of ours.
Dallas came really close to a Cup this last year. All they need is a goaltender and offense, and they have plenty of cap space to take that second shot. The 1st rounder this year will be a late one, and I'd assume the same for next year's 2nd roudner. Eberle's production has been good enough to warrant this return, especially considering he's played in such a defense first system.
Ottawa wants to capitalize on their cap space and convert it into futures. I'd think this would be enough to take Boychuk's contract. Ottawa would probably be willing to buy out Boychuk if he asked for it.
If dallas doesn't sign any forwards besides resigning faksa, hintz, and gurianov I think they have about 7m in space. If they also resign dobby or a 1b goalie i think that cost 3m or a bit more which leaves around 3m. They also need cap next year to resign miro, oleksiak, kiviranta( he should be cheap), Dickinson, and either resign comeau or get a replacement. Sure I could be off on who gets paid what this year but they need to be thinking ahead to next offseason. I don't think taking eberle is a good idea.
If dallas doesn't sign any forwards besides resigning faksa, hintz, and gurianov I think they have about 7m in space. If they also resign dobby or a 1b goalie i think that cost 3m or a bit more which leaves around 3m. They also need cap next year to resign miro, oleksiak, kiviranta( he should be cheap), Dickinson, and either resign comeau or get a replacement. Sure I could be off on who gets paid what this year but they need to be thinking ahead to next offseason. I don't think taking eberle is a good idea.
Yeah, I took a look at who Dallas has to resign, guess those guys are due a LOT more than what I thought they would.