Quote:
Originally Posted by KopitarFAN
This is a perfect example for why DL is in a position to try to hit a homerun, that much cap space and so few spots to fill.
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Yes, but that cap space can disappear
very fast if you aren't mindful. Let's say we've got
$11M available (mainly after Doughty earns his bonuses). Let's also say we want to keep $1M cap room for call up flexibility and possible trade deadline acquisitions. We're down to
$10M. If we sign Kovalchuk at a reasonable discount, $7.5M, we're down to
$2.5M and still with some important roster spots to fill. Add another million for the extra attacker and 4th line center.
Now there's
$1.5M left to grab a #4 d-man. Not a lot of money unless you want to squeeze another year out of Sean O'Donnell, which wouldn't be very wise since we already have an unknown factor in Drewiske in the lineup. A single injury to a d-man and we would have Harrold, Drewiske and O'Donnell out there, none of whom I'm very comfortable with right now.
Next season we'd lose Williams and Handzus. Most, if not all of that money would go to giving raises to Doughty, Johnson, Simmonds and Bernier. We would probably barely even have enough cap room to fill those spots with guys like Lewis and Moller. Some tough choices would have to be made.
You might say it's worth the consequences to get a game breaker like Kovalchuk on board but I'm not convinced myself. $7.5M is a very optimistic salary as well when he easily could get another million or two. Hell, Atlanta offered him ten!