Everything looks good except the Mantha contract. Even if he slows down, I doubt he finishes the season with less than 30 goals and 70 points. With those numbers you're looking at 7 million minimum, even if he takes a slight discount. I'd use the Nylander and Connor as comparables.

4th rounder is probably a bit low for LGD. I'd be surprised if all 3 AHL forwards make the team out of camp. Going to guess Seider is playing 2nd/3rd RD next year as well. I have a hard time believing they're going to re-sign Howard.

I agree Mantha will be over $7M. If AA and Fabbri continue to produce they will get more.



I'd much rather give up Helm for a 4th instead of LGD. I think they could resign Howard but it will be probably be 1yr but some where between $2M - $3M. That's because he has said he doesn't want to leave Detroit.

I resigned Howard because the available goalie market isn't great. This team isn't ready for a Holtby level player, Lehner will resign in Chicago, Maybe Markstrom, but are you going to pay $5mm+ with this team? The best available guys are RFAs (Murray, Korpisalo, Ullmark), so do you trade assets for that?

You guys are probably right on Mantha, though it doesn't affect this scenario very much, as they still have $16mm+ left in cap space. I think AA gets a bridge deal (unless he really takes off), and Fabbri is finally not hurt after years of getting hurt, so I'm not sure he commands much more than my estimate. He may take a 1 year prove-it deal, stay healthy, and cash in after that.

I expect all three AHL guys to make the roster, because 1) Svech will have to (he's waiver eligible next year), they'll need a C with Glendening gone (Ras), and I'm predicting that Zadina keeps up this pace (basically graduating). This will also help drive down the average age, along with replicating what Stevie Y did with Tampa.

Now, if they get the #1/#2 pick, maybe something changes (as LaFreniere and Byfield both are expected to graduate immediately)

agree mantha gets more, howard you have to let walk. id rather take my chances with a different journyman back up. he just looks cooked.