Free Agency

That Hronek deal looks solid. I was fully expecting Pettersson to get 12.5M for 8 years so getting him at 11.6M is definitely a win. If management could get Pettersson down then I don't see why they couldn't do the same for Hronek. If we do get him on a good deal I'd expect 6.85M long term, exactly 1M under Hughes. If Hronek wins as much money as possible I'd see 7.5M+ long term. Your estimate there is very reasonable I'd say.

Friedman said that Zadorov likely prices himself out of VAN, but I hope that doesn't happen. I think he's been awesome. The physical edge he brings is invaluable and he's fit our system very well on top of being a Foote type of player. Hopefully him talking about how awesome it is in VAN after the trade means he'll be willing to stay. I'd be fine with 4M for 4 years since the rumour is that he wants term.

I don't mind bringing back Myers as its apparent that the coaches and players like him, but if we prioritize Zadorov over him (which we should in my opinion) it might be necessary to keep more flexibility for elsewhere.

I don't think Lafferty is worth that contract, I'd rather find a cheaper replacement.

That leaves the outside UFAs you brought in. Toffoli has looked good in WPG so far but my concern with him on this team is that our top-6 does not have much speed. Henrique is a useful player but I don't see what specific need he fills on this team. I think that 9M would help us more if we retained DeSmith (~2.5M) and Blueger (~2.5M) and got Tanev (~3M) to improve the defense. That leaves a small bit of cap for a forward, maybe keeping Joshua if its a reasonable contract.

If they can get Hronek under $7M and Zadorav moves on. I wouldn't mind trying to keep Lindholm over Toffoli.

Similarly, happy to see Joshua and Blueger back over Henrique. But nervous about term for Blueger.

17M for Z, Toffoli, Henrique, Lafferty

Or

17M for Lindholm, Myers, Joshua, Cole, Blueger

If I had to choose between those two options I take option B.

The organization clearly targeted Blueger last offseason, identifying him as a professional that can come in and play his role as a defensive specialist the way Tocchet wants him to. He also chose VAN over other destinations. Given how good he's been I think that he ends up staying, which is good because I think he'd be a bigger loss than some people realize.

Joshua is the one I'm fine with letting walk. Podkolzin can take his spot.