You think so? I actually am a big fan of taylor pyatt for the money. he's gunna be 31, so he's still in his prime, albeit not exactly a spring buck, but if he'd come for 1.2M or less (that's what he got last year), I'd jump on it. He has been in double digit goals averaging 15 goals per year the last 6 years. He's got nice size which would look good with clowy on a grinding line, he can play special teams well, and he works. he's a very solid third liner, and he'll likely be pretty cheap.
gaustad would be good too, though might be too expensive. he's just 30, so a good age, but he got 2.5 last year and I wouldnt want to give him that kind of money. For 1.5, Id be OK. he had 3 straight years with 12 goals which is a good number, and would make a nice 3rd line C, especially given his size as well.
I'l love them to give hudler a top 6 role, drop clowe down and have the third line be Pyatt-Clowe-Gaustad (one can plan an off wing). Thats a line with 6-5 215 Center, 6-3 230 wing, and 6-2 225 wing. they arent exactly speedsters, but once they get the puck, they could be really hard to move and could tire out opponents such that patty and jumbo can hop out against winded guys.
Either way, all three are better than what they currently have. Zues is too old to be effective in any way anymore. Mitchell has some quickness but cannot play a puck possession style since he gets pushed off with a slight gust of wind. Wingels is too young to be counted on for anything just yet. Desi and co. are definitely just 4th line material and cannot play 14-15 mins/game as a 3rd line would.
