I dont think Bernier is the long term answer. I also dont see Colorado signing a Center that's over 30 when that is by far their strongest position.

Bernier definitely isn't the answer. I was just using a lot of placeholders that were already a part of the organization (+ Stastny) to show someone the Avs cap situation right now.

I'd be surprised if a lot of the players re-signed got near what they have in this, in the near future at least.

Zadorov hasn't produced enough to earn 5.5, Bernier (even if re-signed) wouldn't nearly double his salary, Pickard isn't getting 2 million after spending a year in the minors, Kamanev isn't getting 2.5 barring some really really good year next year (he hasn't even had the chance to play in the NHL a legitimate amount, yet alone actually earn that kind of money. I'd also be a little surprised to see Rantanen get the same money as Draisaitl, not because he couldn't necessarily ask for it but I'd expect it to be closer to 7.5 (or lower) than 8.5 given the way the team has handed out contracts in the past.