I like Palms quite a bit, but he creates potential cap problems for next year so I don’t know. I’d rather go with a cheaper rental

Kreider retained is the next best option. Palmieri with that much retained probably wouldn't cause much issue because a few of Steen, Bozak, Allen, Bortuzzo have to be traded to make room for Petro and Dunn. MIGHT find an extra 2.5M after all that

I like Kreider quite a bit as well. Toffoli is my guy though because he’s not too much worse than Kreider and will be significantly cheaper. You really can’t go wrong with either of them.

I can't imagine Steen will get moved due to too many factors: NTC, long-time vet on this team, Army likes him, and his salary for what he brings is too much for most teams.
Bozak has value, but he plays very well in his role for the Note. Calgary and Edmonton should be all over him.
Allen will likely get a lot of attention, especially since he's been lights out this year. Someone will gamble on him.
I'd hate to lose the cheap but effective Bortuzzo. He is the perfect 7th defenseman for this team.

Bortz ain't going anywhere, and wouldn't provide any cap relief worth talking about anyway. It's far more important to have him in the team playing great for a low cost for the next 2 1/2 years. And I'm not terribly high on the idea of dealing our 2020 1st, either. Gonna have to pass on this one, in part because of the cap issue STLBlues17 mentioned.

Plus, Bortz can always get in a fight with a youngin' at practice to make sure he follows protocol!