Landeskog has primarily been a LW so I don't really see a fit here, especially if Hall is back. I guess one or the other is fine, but my preference is Hall.
My wild card scenario is backing up the Brinks truck for Hamilton. He's a Norris caliber player. It doesn't solve LHD but basically gives them 2 McAvoy's. Between the two, they could cover 50-60 minutes a night. Both are capable of turning a traffic cone as a partner into an elite pairing. He would cost a lot of money, but that is one thing they do have as an asset to weaponize. It would also free them up to use Carlo as a trade chip for help elsewhere.
I'm not sure how the Bruins FO feels about him. IIRC, they were pretty cordial about the way it ended in 2015. I'm sure the analytics team loves him. It's probably not a knock on him, but I'm sure some people see 3 teams in 9 years as a red flag. Players of his stature don't change teams often. He also wanted out 6-years ago, which is problematic if he has no interest in ever coming back.
I'd be surprised if he wanted to come back. Who knows what's true and whats just damage control but the widely accepted chronology of his trade is he had no interest in signing here and his agent wouldnt return Sweeney's calls, so they traded him. Losing him was stupid and hurt a lot so I'd love to have him come back but I can't see it.
I did some digging on possible LHD trade candidates that I think could help. If only the bruins had assets to trade
Lindholm - 1 year left, injury issues the last 2 seasons, 27 yo - he's a legit top pair guy and would be perfect with McAvoy. His next contract does not align with Anaheims future window at all and given the dearth of LHD on the market, this would be a smart offseason to move him. Unfortunately all of those reasons probably make him too expensive for Boston.
Schmidt - previously mentioned in this thead - $5.9 for 4 more. Versatile LHD, I like him and the Canucks have a lot of cap issues
Eckholm - I don't really see this as an option because he's likely going to seattle and will be moved at the deadline for a 1st and a prospect, but he's a really good all around LHD who will be UFA next offseason
Vince Dunn - probably the same story as Eckholm though he's an RFA. I'd love to trade for him but he will probably be Kraken property
Nurse - almost pointless to mention him but he's a UFA after next year. If he asks out of EDM he's be a hot commodity that the Bruins couldn't afford. Dream McAvoy partner though.
Lindell - they love him in Dallas and he's signed for 4 more years but things are getting expensive there. Not much cap room and Heiskanen to sign this year and Klingberg next. Might not be room for 3 $6+ mil blueliners?
Hanifin - long beloved by Sweeney - I expect the flames to look a lot different next season.
Gostisbehere - He'd definitely be cheap. Downside is he sucks. But, I don't think he sucks as bad as his reputation and might be a sleeper to have value playing in a more structured system.....if he is capable of that (he's probably not).
Calvin De Haan - UFA after next year...kinda league average - meh
Brayden McNabb - Vegas has major cap problems and I expect some movement there. He's a 30 yo UFA to be. Big, mean - pretty mobile for his size and really good underlying numbers. Buyer beware though, he plays with Theodore.
Nick Leddy - UFA to be, pretty fast, not that good - would be cheap though? Isles have major cap issues and have Sorokin, Pelech and Beauvillier to sign. I'd expect Leddy gets moved for not very much.
Dumolin - Pitt has some pretty serious cap issues as well and Dumoulin is someone it would make sense for them to move. He's been a big part of that team for a while though o you wonder if sentiment keeps him there. Also would they trade with Boston?
Not all that hopeful. The guy's I'd really want (lindholm, Hanifin, Nurse) are likely too expensive and that second/third tier group is kinda meh.
