We need that extra year when the cap jumps 4-7M for all the kids

If Drury can't extend Copp on a manageable deal, then probably the move to make would be to load up the top 6 w/: Kreider,Zib,LaF, Panarin, Chytl, and Kakko. The only lock in the bottom 6 then would be Goodrow. They'd look to acquire a 3C or 4C (Strome would be a bad idea). Remaining 4 spots would be fought out between Motte (if reasonable extension is possible), Blais, Krav, Hunt, Othmann, Cuylle, and Reaves.

The thing with extending Copp...probably forces a tough decision in 2023 when Chytl, LaF, and Miller will be looking for new deals with an even tighter CAP- so someone (who they'd rather not move) will have to be moved. This is why extending Strome (as a fall back) is a bad idea. Even though there would be a little more CAP available than if Copp were on board, they still would probably need to move someone to accommodate keeping LaF, Chytl, and Miller.

For sure, Drury has some tough decisions to make this summer.