Re-tool.
Some prospects (Tippett/Borg/Saarela/Denisenko/Gildon/Ludvig) should crack the lineup, the latter three are longshots though. Deni may gey his feet wet in AHL but should be up after 20 games imo.
As much as we want some big trades/free agent signings, it's doubtful unless more money is pushed out.
We may take in UFAs to be, see if they fit and want to stay if they impress enough. If were out by game 40 then you retain on them and flip them for assets.
Would love to weaponize our cap space, Saad would be a great add depending on cost. If we take full cap and don't send any money back, the cost should be lower.
We could pay a 2nd + 3rd for him and flip that to a late 1st from a contender at trade deadline.
Or take smaller cap dumpa for 2021 picks.
Pumped to see the prospects get a shot in the next few years, Zito seems to believe in developing your own picks, just need the AHL to be competitive.
Hire a new coach, Kinnear should be let go.
1) Get a feel for what Barkov wants on new deal near end of this year. Make sure his deal is the big focus in 2021 off season.
2) See if Huberdeau wants to stay long term, if not you shop him at deadline/off season with 2 or 2.25 years left. (Should net us a 2021 1st + C or D with really good potential)
3) Plan to compete in 2021-22 after two the next two drafts. 12th and another top 10ish pick would be great. Focus on C, D and LW.
4) Once Barkov is locked up, the 2022-24 1sts should be made available to move for immediate help.
5) One decent free agent signing in 2021 or 2022 if Huberdeau is moved.
One decent trade as well. Either should be for a top 6 C or top 4 D