I think they should definitely be looking at 35 year old + players who still put in a full season and are willing to take a 1-2 year deal. If for no other reason, to tie their own hands a bit on the cap space, and make sure they will have some available in 2 years, and as a roll of the dice that the guy can contribute to the team or be flipped for assets at the deadline.
Quick look at the UFA list, there are a
JVR, Shattenkrik, Paciroetty, Kane, Perron, Okposo, Jack Johnson, Wheeler, Pavelski, Goligoski.
Some of these guys might retire, and some might not entertain playing for a non-competitive team. But I think it would be good use of assets to look at having a little extra higher end talent / depth in the roster (even in guys who have lost a step), and a possible trade chip, if one of them is just looking for one last paycheque.
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