Two bad signings

Another offensive d man who can’t play defence

Both signings surely unlikely, I like green at the AAV, but youd have to have a crystal ball to tell me whether he'd be healthy a majority of the time. Shatty deal unlikely. if you really dont want dermott on this roster, id assume you package him with a forward/prospect/ and or pick/picksfor a top 4 RHD instead of for a 3rd.

There are way better options via trade: Thing we know
1. Tampa major cap situation - Cernak viable option around the 3 million mark or even Sergachev if the Leafs are willing to part with both Sandin and Liljegren.
2. Florida shedding salary - Nylander is paid less than is cap hit due to his inflated bonus and last season's cap hit - Nylander for Ekblad - and I say this as a Nylander and leaf fan but I've also been claiming that both Johnsson and Kapenen are Top 6 F so in theory Nylander can be moved.
3. Move all 3 of the 9 million dollar third line and sign Alex Pietrangelo - does leave a less than desirable 3rd line but workable.

I'm sure there are other options as well, I wouldn't be diving into FA unless it's to get Alex Pietrangelo at 8/9 x 6/7 mark

If you really want to see who they can afford, set the cap at $84m because there's almost no chance the cap will be anywhere near $87.5m. Escrow is still a thing the players hate and the NHLPA isn't going to approve a massive cap increase that only makes the problem worse.