The D lines, when settled and not mixing (which has happened on a couple of occasions this season so far) seem to be -
Blood/Reddick
Louis/Fournier
Richie/Batch
If we are bringing in a D Man, it will be to replace Batch, the plan likely would have been for him to move back in to the forward lines and Rutkis to go back to Swindon for a bit. This fits in with what Todd said at the start of the year re Toms.
Injuries and form have likely changed these. Josh is playing very well (though could cut out a couple of silly mistakes), and Rutkis and Moore have both looked good when given opportunities.
Also, we don't know how long Faryna will be out for.
So now I imagine it will be a case of either a D Man coming in to allow Batch to move forward, with Rutkis or Moore being given some third line time, or a forward to replace Faryna, meaning Batch stays back, and Rutkis stays where he is.
We have been playing an import short (4D/9F = 13) because of Parisi not staying, so there would be no issue with either option being an import.
Now I'm not going to pretend I know anywhere near as much as the guys actually making these decisions, but my thought is that the forward lines don't need any new input. The guys have started well, and I think either Moore or Rutkiss (or maybe Myers) deserve that extra ice time.
So I say we need a D man, if anyone at all. What kind of D man is interesting. I think Fournier has stepped his attacking play a lot this season, and he looks dangerous when he attacks. So I think we need a middle of the road player, someone who can chip in but is defensively minded. Pairings are Lordo's business, and I won't make a fool of myself guessing.
Leaves us short of an out and out spare until Faryna is back, but then gives us the option of allowing him to recover properly whilst still having the energy in the forward line with either Moore or Rutkis stepping in to his shoes.
If there is a second signing, I'd like to see it be a big nasty power forward, but that's probably because I loved Bordy.
But then again Johnny Gaudreau could decide he loves Cardiff, and then everything I've said is nonsense.