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I think the best thing to do if Gio is claimed is to sign two defensemen.

One an offensive type for the power play, like Gustafsson.

And a big defensive defenseman who can clear out the front of the net and provide some truculence.

I don’t think you need the cream of the UFA crop for this.

I’d shop in the bargain bin.

You don’t want to pay too much because you want guys who are good enough to push Valimaki and Mackey, but not too good who are going to block them if they progress well.

I’d stick to guys who can only command one or two year deals and asking no more than $2 million per year.

I think guys like Gustafsson, Forbert, Demers, Smith, Cole, Hamonic, Bogosian, Chara, Schenn.

Looking at what’s available, there’s lot of defensive guys available to help on the PK, not many on the offensive side.

Might have to spend a bit more on a guy like Gus for the PP and get the best and cheapest of what’s left of the defensive guys.