Hayes

That feels a little underwhelming on Hayes. They're willing to retain a decent amount of change is the sense I get from Philly Reporters. Probably around 30% which would make his cap hit 5M.

I also think Columbus should add a Chychrun like Dman, and a goalie to put them confortably in a Playoff race. (I think they make it if they do those things.)

I agree with this I would hope that either more prospects or picks are added. Either a couple 4s or 5s or get a dman prospect that can be grown in Philly

Columbus could definitely afford to give a bit more for Hayes, especially if retention is involved, although I get the impression that they would rather not retain salary for three years if they can help it. He does feel like a good fit in Columbus with his term, their clear need for a top-6 center, and his relationship with Gaudreau.

They'll also be looking for that 2LD, so it's possible they consider a package deal for Provorov as well (who would be a more likely candidate for salary retention IMO). Their goalie addition is just going to have to come through Elvis remembering how to play, because right now he's practically unmovable. Tarasov is not waiver exempt next year and has shown too much promise to trade away, so the 23-24 net situation will be those two figuring it out. They will at least get the chance to, but if they can't nail it down, goaltending will become the priority of the 2024 summer.

Why exactly do you get that inpression they're not willing to retain on Hayes?

Anthony Di Marco who I believe to be one of most in touch with organization reported the Flyers are willing to retain on Hayes contract.

Also I could see Provorov being moved in that package(Though I rather it be Sanheim), They have the Cap to add a goalie even with Merz, I think Merz is a buy out candicate tbh, it's long but its fairly cheap and if you get Bedard your automatically in the mode to go all in every year imo.

Just my own intuition considering their recent past moves. It seems they were unwilling to retain on JVR to move him, so why would they on Hayes? Also, there is just a general reluctance among NHL GMs to retain money on deals with term.

It's not about cap with CBJs goalies. It's that Merz and Tarasov are both on NHL contracts next year. They aren't going to waste all that money after one bad season by buying out Elvis or waiving him to Cleveland, it's just not the way the owner operates. Absolutely no way he's bought out with 4 years remaining. And they won't risk losing Tarasov by sending him down either since he must clear waivers. They are already set with two goalies on the NHL roster next year.