Quoting: ricochetii
Your D core is strong right now, and should be for a number of years. Plenty of time to restock. You haven't needed to trade or sign a UFA for a while either, so I don't blame you if you forgot that was an option.
It's ok. We still don't have a true #1D. Lindholm is more of a top pairing D-man right now than an out-and-out #1D. Therefore, we need to rely on our depth, playing 3 solid D pairings. That's why I'm hesitant move Larsson because we could use him in the line-up next season:
Lindholm (#1-2 D) - Montour (#4 D)
Fowler (#2 D) - Manson (#3-4 D)
Larsson (#6 D) - Hjalmarsson/Pysyk (#3-4 D)
I know this would be godly depth, but I think it's necessary when you consider what NSH is playing:
Josi (#1-2 D) - Ryan Ellis (#3-4 D)
Emelin (#4-5 D) - Subban (#1-2 D)
Ekholm (#3-4 D) - Irwin (#5-6 D)
And with the current playoff format, we're more than likely going to have to face NSH at some point.
I can't remember the last time we had a good signing, especially on D. Beauchemin has been ok this season and Holzer has been decent at times, but before that we had Stoner, Souray, Allen, etc. All terrible. I think trade is the way to go, but, at the same time, I think good D-men like Hjalmarsson and maybe Pysyk (if he's available) are going to demand a 1st. That would sting, but I'd consider paying it. Hjalmarsson, in particular, would really solidify our back-end and help our younger guys development.