Well if our goaltending is Elliott/Ortio then Treliving will have a lot more money to play with than we thought he might. In fact that means we can get a big name UFA this summer and still keep Wideman for the start of next year. Or if Wideman is dealt we're just in great shape cap wise even if we add a big name UFA.
IMO the best fits are Lucic, Eriksson, Backes and McGinn. The first 3 being potential 1st line options while McGinn makes a good 2nd/3rd line power forward option. Most of the other guys available will make too much for what they bring IMO. I don't think we can afford Stamkos at 10 million. I don't think I'd want to pay Okposo 6 million. Perron? Not sure he really fits a need enough to want to overpay him as an UFA.
Lucic would give us a legit 1st line power forward. Yes the term might be awkward but he's still quite young having just turned 28. I think he'd be a perfect fit. Great mentor for Ferland and Tkachuk and would allow us to ice 3 powerforwards.
Ericsson would upgrade our goalscoring ability and he isn't just a one-way guy. However he is almost 31 and probably wants to sign longterm so I fear the albatross nature of his contract more than I do Lucic because he's 3 years older.
Backes would upgrade our leadership, grit, physical play but he is 32. So again we'd have to be wary of longterm.
McGinn isn't in the same sphere as the others but hopefully you wouldn't be paying him anywhere near the same as the others. He could be a good secondary power forward option for your 2nd/3rd line.
Overall I think Lucic would be the best fit given his style of play and age. Yes there is a risk he slows down and the contract looks bad but there's also a good chance he's just a great fit for years and helps us contend.
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