I think the only question is does the team trade JVR and for who. I also think we have seen the last of Bob in O&W.
The big rumors right now are:
JVR, Bob, plus our 1st for Nash.
I like this one cause as much as I love JVR, Nash can help this team now. Imagine Hartnell-Giroux-Nash on the top line. Bob needs to go ($1.75 million is too much for a back-up).
But I really like this one more...
JVR and Bob for Luke Schenn and David Steckel (which seems to be resurfacing again)
or just recently
JVR and Philly's 1st (20) for Schenn and Toronto's 1st (5) (which I think is unlikely)
I like Luke Schenn. He's big and plays with a mean streak. He makes mistakes but he is also young.
Kimmo-Coburn
Carle-Grossmann
Schenn-Mez
That's a pretty deep defensive unit, When Kimmo goes off books next season we have $6.3 million to sign a premier DMan in FA.
All this said....
I am beginning to really think Briere needs to go despite his postseason success. He is small and poor at defense. He does not seem to fit the direction of the team moving forward with big, 2-way, physical top line forwards (schenn, couturier, voracek, hartnell, jvr, simmonds, etc). His $6.5 million could go a long way to sure up the defense. JMO.