So, if Ottawa stays a playoff team up to the deadline, who can we realistically add via trade? I think we can all agree that we don't want to add a rental if the price is high (i.e. first rounder or Z-Bad/Silf). So, where does that leave us? With Ruutu possibly off the table (injured), and our need remaining a scoring winger, what's available? Is it worth adding a middle of the road potential scoring threat? It's not like we can argue that that will "put us over the top".
I think the perfect forward to add would've been Huselius from Columbus, but he's out indefinitely with a groin injury.
An interesting candidate might be Brad Boyes, whose having a terrible year in Buffalo, and would presumably cost next-to-nothing to get. He's UFA this off-season, and might have something to prove if he wants another decent NHL contract.
Dark horse: Ryan Shannon from Tampa Bay. We know what he brings, and the little waterbug doesn't quit. He doesn't fit in the "scoring winger" category, but he is the perfect depth player.
Should we take a shot at a 6th/7th d-man? Probably, given that Carkner is a bit of a question mark at this point, and depth on D could become critical if one (or more) of our guys go down with injury.
Lots of lower-run D-men should be available…maybe Mark Eaton or Jurcina from the Isles?