Not bad. I know it's tough predicting these bridge deals/long term deals. So much depends on performance between now and then. This may be the summer they have to buy out Big E. I don't see it being summer 2017. By delaying to summer 2018 he comes off one year sooner. If they can afford to not do it then either, he may be moveable with only one year left on his deal.

I know management has said they want to be competitive next year but if I had full autonomy for the next 3 years I would sign the necessary parts of the future core, deal all other parts at trade deadlines, and wait for Kronwall, Ericsson, and Franzen to come off the books. Once they are gone, mantha Larkin AA and whomever they draft in the next several drafts and a timely free agent or two will be ready to compete for a cup.