I would say Savard, Lehkonen, Byron and possibly Drouin are in the next category down. Also Anderson, Petry and Dvorak are in the long term plans and Niku should be with the not actively shopping but available list

You're right, too bad Savard isn't up for trade tho.

My reasoning behind the players you named:

Savard - Only RHD with term along with Petry and no one coming up from the prospect pool anytime soon. He also reportedly took a discount to sign here and it would look disenchanting to trade him just yet.

Petry, Dvorak & Anderson - I was very selective for the long-term needs because the reason why those three are "not available" is because of the way the roster is built, not because of the players themselves. The team needs them for the role they fill at the moment instead of how valuable they'll be moving forward.

Niku - He's worthless until proven otherwise, hence why he is in the waivers/fringe NHLers category.

I agree with what you are saying about everyone however here is why I disagree

Petry - will play out his current deal then be resigned 1 year at a time he will be here at least the next 5 years

Niku - I think MB likes him and views his pickup to be as good or better than Byron has worked out. The kid has skill and playing with a defensively reliable partner like Chiarot or Edmundson could work nicely also better positioning can be taught and he is still young enough to learn.

Thing is, he'll be a mainstay on the blueline but probably not the defenseman moving forward, at least I hope so. I'm not a fan of him carrying a defense through his late 30s with little to no help.

Agree with most

Why do you want to trade Gallagher best friend

Where did I say to trade Gallagher?

He means Byron, I think

LOL ok well in that case our winger depth and his age and contract all play a role there. The only winger that he has the chance to upseed once everyone is healthy is Lehkonen but by keeping Byron and Lehkonen moving forward there is no room for Ylonen to play.