Winnipeg got a tonne of cap relief for a fraction of what it costs on the open market. Also remember arenas were closed for much of the season up here so smaller Canadian teams are hurting in terms of real dollars. This was a small price to pay and it could have been much worse.
Smith will need a max contract for 1 year to sign and will be arbitration eligible in 2 more years and a UFA in 4.If he makes it to the pros that is a short timeline for control (imagine McBain is the same). Littles contract is fully insured so he wont cost the yotes a dime and now means their cap floor is now 56 million . The 4th will be within 10 picks of the 3rd the jets used to get Smith so it essentially gives them a do over which i think gives the Jets a slight edge plus maybe the Coyotes are planning on wiping out the teams futility records from 79-80 because that team is going to be stinky next year.