It totally seems like Detroit would be taking full advantage of both teams and I don’t think that Lou lamoriello would allow that to happen no matter how bad he want to clear cap

oh 100%, this is quite hyperbolic cause unlike GM's would let Yzerman load up like this. But at the same time, flat cap was the best thing that ever happened to DET, they have a lot of space and an Owner who will spend money (sorry OTT) in order to win.

No contending team will give you 2 firsts in salary dumps way too valuable to move multiple for salary dumps when there’s other options

So I don't mind taking cap dumps but thats alot and for years. Plus I wouldnt mind getting a few bodies for right now that can grow with the team a bit. Spend a couple of those picks.

what are the other options for teams that want to win with a flat cap and have to sign RFAs? Ladd's buyout is nuts, includes 3 years of $4.8m cap hit and then 3 more years of $333k.

Yeah this is not realistic, I just tried to take on as much salary as possible and don't know enough about other team's prospects. I based my value on Marleau's salary dump

Calgary does not need to get rid of Lucic and his salary that bad...so the dream of a 1st and a 2nd being attached to him won't happen

The simple moves the islanders can make are to trade nick Leddy for a mid-late rd pick and buyout clutterbuck. To create more space , they can choose between hickey (2.5 x 2) or komarov (3 mill x 2) who will cost less to move than Ladd/boychuk.

Well islanders specifically can move Leddy for a pick, a pick with komarov, a singular one of ladd/boychuk w a pick if necessary, Bailey for a mid-high round pick, etc. There’s plenty of other options other than thinking short-sighted and panicking by moving a 1st

I'd love if this happened but no way it will. GM's around the league wouldn't let it and I don't think Yzerman wants to take on that many bad contracts. You're slapping the fanbase in the face for the next three years essentially by doing this. GM's like to slowly slap fanbases in the face and not making it obvious lol

Correction: They HAD an owner that was willing to spend. Unfortunately, his son has not shown the same passion to win vs making a business profit on either the Wings or the Tigers yet.

...but in theory Yzerman can weaponize some of the 34M in cap space they currently have.

When would you have expected him to spend money during the past few years?

You're not far off. I think we will see a combination picks and prospects instead of GM's throwing away all of their premium picks. But TOR did it when they dumped Marleau to CAR just last off season. Just depends how desperate these teams are. I'd gladly take Juolevi and a lower pick for taking on Erikssons deal. I'd gladly take Puujarvi and a lower pick to take on James Neal's deal.