Martinez is getting a raise not less money. He hasn't had a huge contract yet and already won two Cups and even got a conference final ot goal and cup final ot goal to win both series. He doesn't need to sacrifice money to win and this is his last chance at the most money he can get. And good for him.

He will get at least 5x3, if not higher in UFA. If he wants to stay in Vegas they could possibly work out a 4.5-4.75x3 deal if they think they can swing it.

Much rather that Reaves be the cap casualty than Holden. He has played in the top four multiple times in three seasons when needed for a time and held up his end. He also does fine on a bottom pairing and doesn't complain when he's the seventh. I've also seen him on the bench and the younger defensemen (who are mostly more skilled than him) seem invested in what he's saying, I think he would make a good coach on retirement.

And Kolesar is a physical fourth line player who can play up to the third line when needed and play center in a pinch, things Reaves can't do. He's also just played much better than Reaves. When you add in Brown, Roy and even Dugan and Elvenes waiting in the wings, with Glass and Krebs likely to make it as on your roster, it makes both Nosek and Reaves pretty expendable.

Edit: Also you need to leave around 250,000 extra space for the bonuses from the last two seasons that will be taken from our cap next season. But I think having enough for a 23 man roster isn't so necessary as long as they have enough for 21/22.

If they lose this series i think they make some moves