We are also in a little bit of a tough spot.
Zucc is a UFA this summer. So what team that is out of it will really value him and trade us what we need? Unlikely that happens unless we package Zucc up with picks/prospects to make it worth it for the out of it team.
Hags is moveable as a RFA, but I think he is a valuable guy here. His speed is our team identity. He is a great PK guy. He always plays well in the playoffs. And really if we are being fair, he is a solid 3rd line player. Scores 17 or 18 goals a season. He is not our issue. I don't see him getting dealt unless some team really wants him and makes a great offer and/or Sather sees no way we resign him this summer.
I think we need to focus on one of our 2nd round picks, Fast, McIlrath, Lindberg, mid prospects as assets to trade. Then play with the cap a little by sending Stemp down or sending Glass down. Something along those lines.
I have turned on Zucc. I like him. I think he is a good glue guy, but I also think it is tough to have him and MSL and Hags all on the wings. Size takes a huge hit. I just don't know what value Zucc has as a UFA this summer. Why would a team out of it deal for Zucc? Maybe the answer is we flip Zucc out West to a team that is in it, and then take the pieces we get back from that deal and flip them for a bigger top 9 forward to replace Zucc. Then go add a top 9 forward and away we go.
Deals like that usually don't happen in the NHL though. Plus I am not sure Sather has it in him to do that much work to deal Zucc, flip those players for someone else, then make another deal for a top 9 forward. Seems like too much work for Sather.