That is all true but Bergevin just pushed another free agent into next years crop:
Kotkaniemi
Gallagher
Danault
Tatar
Armia
Lehkonen
Weal
Mete
Juulsen
Poehling
Backup-G
Most of the veteran core could be lost to free agency if young guys earn moderate raises.
Especially since all the vets will now be expecting the 7-year Josh Anderson special.
Also Cale Fleury and Claude Julien. But I don’t think Mete being up is a big deal.