How on earth can EDM afford this? And why would they want to? If you build something around Neal and van Riemsdyk I'll listen.

They can they have like 18 mill available after this year's expiring contracts and the only players that might get decent money are Nurse and Bear

Minnesota trade is very interesting because it’s honestly unsure when Patrick will return but value is still there

They only have like 12 guys signed for next year though. Nurse and Bear could take up to around $10M combined + the $7M for JVR leaves nothing to sign the 8 guys they need to fill out the roster.

Not happening. If you think something can be done around Neal and JVR I'm all ears, or if PHI was to retain 50% or something, but EDM cannot take on $7M cap hit with nothing going the other way.

How about a Russell + Pulj + pick for JVR retained 1-2 mill.

If it was $2M retained I think I'd do that. He's nearly 31 and signed for 3 more years - his best years are clearly behind him but I think at $5M the risk is mitigated.