The cap isn't going up

Cap isn't going up for another 3-4 years yet.

True, the cap won't go up until they hit over 4.8 billion in revenue, then it will hit 82.5 mil. I should have done that research before, but I still think this is achievable with slight pay cuts to a Goodrow, Colton, and Foote. If more needed they could go for a smaller cap hit goalie in FA.

Edit: the cap will go up depending on league revenue between 3.3B and 4.8B.

That's not near enough to Seattle. You're paying them to ignore better players and take a 32 year old 5'9' 3rd line winger at 5 million for 3 more years, According to everything I've read or heard Seattle is playing serious hardball with teams.

Not entirely true https://www.nhl.com/news/nhl-salary-cap-to-remain-at-815-million/c-317372082

They could increase it in various ways.

TJ is 31 when next season starts

He played much better when he returned to center during the playoffs. He drove the offense from the 4th line and was instrumental to the playoff run. Yes he's older and has a high cap hit, but I think Seattle will take that offer instead of taking Killorn or Gourde if the Lightning decide to do 4-4 protection.

Johnson can still put up 40-50 points in a top 6 role and they can get two picks out of that. Killorn would probably put up around 45-50 points in Seattle, Gourde is probably somewhere in the 50s points wise in Seattle. Johnson has outscored the other two in even strength goals despite less ice time, producing good possession stats that hangs with them as well in a reduced role. My idea was that they could either Killorn or Gourde with no picks; all three are around the same age; or take Johnson and the picks. I could have added in another prospect with the picks as well for taking Johnson but I thought next year's 1st round pick and this year's 3rd would suffice. Could always work up from there.

I'm just basing my opinion on the trades made during the last expansion and the rumors I've heard from Freidman, Dreger and LeBrun (sounds like a law firm doesn't it?) I was wrong about his age though. Not sure how I thought he was 32. Anyway I guess we'll find out some of this stuff soon enough. Cheers!