Smartest way to go at next year

For the most part, this is good. Very good. I like the term for both Mac and Carlo. I think you could go a bit lighter on McAvoys deal seeing as how it’s a bridge, same with heinen.

The backes to Ottawa for purposes of buyout is actually brilliant. It would only cost Ottawa 3 million in real dollars over the duration, and they would get near 6 million in cap hit next year which they need. Smart business. I think you’re a bit heavy on the compensation because of this. I think zboril would be plenty. He would play for Ottawa next year and could still turn into a good player. Having said that, don’t bring him back. Allow him to sign with a team he’ll actually play for.

I wouldn’t sign Johansson. He strikes me as a guy that someone will overpay in free agency (maybe 5 million), and I’d rather explore internal options. Keep the flexibility and if that doesn’t work make another deadline move similar to the Johansson one. Save that money and use it for the big guy, because Chara isn’t done.

Very good ideas though, kudos.

So Backes waives to get bought out and then he re-signs at minimum to be a healthy scratch? That doesn't sound very logical to me from his point of view....