Parise will be in the lineup over Panik. He’s still a fringe top 6 forward who can drive offense. There’s no chance those will be the 2nd + 3rd LHD. I think the isles top D prospect Robin Salo will make the team and they might trade for someone.

Staple has connected the Isles with Jake Gardiner, though he might be out for the year due to potential back surgery, which would put him on LTIR instead. If he's deemed to be able to play relatively soon, though, I could see a contract-for-contract swap made with Carolina to get Gardiner. Maybe Komarov and Hickey for Gardiner, straight-up, with Carolina either burying both in the minors or including them as contracts going back to St. Louis in a Tarasenko deal.

If Gardiner isn’t healthy by the start of the season, I can’t see the Isles trading for him. I see them trading for someone like Kulak/Soucy/Dermott

Jeremy Lauzon would be my man if I was Lou, personally. The only question is cost, which is why I think Gardiner would be a good target if he doesn't need season-ending surgery. Seattle has a bit of a glut at LHD.

Lauzon is decent, I can’t imagine he’d cost too much. Maybe like two 3rd or a late 2nd , if that.

Yeah I don’t mind Gardiner as long as he’s healthy. If he’s limited it’s not worth it IMO.

Lauzon was very highly-regarded by the Boston brass and he did pretty well defensively with increased minutes last year. My guess is that the asking price would be Bode Wilde + picks for Lauzon, but IMO he could be worth it.

I would do Aho + 2nd

I could personally settle at around Wilde + a 3rd. I'm sure that they would really want a waivers-exempt defensive prospect.