Mapping out the offseason

No need to trade those two, we have enough cap space that they can sit. I'm not sure I'd choose Barbashev over Tatar, and I'm certain Graves would decline that offer and get more money on a medium-long term deal somewhere else.

Sadly agree, Gravey should be able to get 4 x 4.5 or so based on comps last couple years ... I wouldnt mind seeing him back to take pressure off of pushing Hughes and Nemec too early. Though there are limited trade clauses out there, one of Marino, Graves or Siegenthaler would certainly be tradable, if they needed to clear someone out in a couple of years.

I'd rather just not keep Graves around. Bahl has been solid and Hughes will be fine

Hughes in top 4 is asking quite a bit from a rookie, but I guess we will know more soon. Kids will make mistakes, plenty of them... And the third pair will be Bahl & Smith or Nemec? That will be quite a substantial drop off from what we are accustomed to this season. I'd be shocked if Fitzgerald rolls the dice like that. One injury to Hamilton, Marino or Siegenthaler and they are cooked, without more experienced depth. NJ was spoiled this year with D depth, not so much next year.

I'd sign someone to replace Severson in the short term. Better than keeping Graves around with a prohibitively long and/or expensive deal.