Ideally; I would try and unload non-core pieces for 2013 1sts and hope to take a shot at MacKinnon, Jones, Monahan, Barkov etc.

Calgary is a team I would look to exploit. They are refusing to rebuild, and throwing them a Grabo/Mac package might be able to get an extra 1st in the right deal.

Then; maybe with Anaheim struggling and losing core pieces Perry and Getzlaf decide to test free agency next year.

Give them matching 7 year, 54 million avg. 7.7. If they cost more then so be it.

2013/2014

Perry – Getzlaf – Kessel
Lupul – Monahan – JVR
Frattin – McClement – Kulemin
Ross – Steckel – Ashton

Phaneuf – Franson
Gardiner – Rielly
Gunnarsson – Blacker

Reimer
Scrivins

Of course, that would require no playoffs in 2013, which means Burke will probably be given the axe. That may or may not affect our chances at getting Getzlaf/Perry. They may be willing to sign with their old GM and coach for a chance to cement their place as gods in Toronto. (I don’t know if that is a motivation for players; as it is usually the opposite feeling that if they fail they will become whipping boys; but make no mistake; a cup winning team in Toronto would be god-tier in the eyes of the people)

A new GM would probably be more willing to offer competitive contracts.

Here is how I think the rest of the off-season will play out.

MacArthur, Kadri, Blacker, 2014 2nd for Paul Stastny

Rynnas, Ashton, 2013 3rd for Luongo

Next year:

Lupul – Stastny – Kessel
JVR – Grabovski – Kulemin
Lombardi – McClement – Frattin
Brown – Steckel – Ashton

Phaneuf – Gunnarsson
Gardiner – Franson
Liles – Komisarek

Luongo
Reimer

Enough to save Burke his job?

Something like:

Stastny
Olver

for:

Stafford
Ennis
2013 1st round pick

Buffalo might not want to do it but I think anything less would prevent Colorado from pulling the trigger.

Personally I think Anaheim would be a great spot for Stastny. With Ryan wanting out the door Anaheim would really clean up, get the 2nd line center they desperately need and if Getzlaf doesn’t look like he is going to re-sign, Stastny can replace him on the first line (it also opens Anaheim up to a Getzlaf to Toronto trade for my fellow Leafs fans).

Something like:

Stastny
Elliot
McGinn
2013 1st round pick

for:

Ryan
Smaby

or something along those lines. Anaheim gets the center they need, an upgrade to their defensive unit, and a solid bottom 6 forward in McGinn along with a 1st for Ryan. Colorado gets a 1st line power forward and end up with a lineup of:

Parenteau – Duchene – Ryan
Landeskog – O’Reilly – Jones/Hejduk

pretty solid.