Quoting: HeadHighSauce
won't the looming extension of MacK factor in too? Kuemper, Val is probably half your currently available cap. Obviously you guys know what they'd prioritize better than I would. Just figured Kadri, Nichuskin, and Kuemper will be more highly prioritized than Lehkonen
O no doubt. UFA priorities are Nichushkin, Kuemper, Lehkonen, Kadri, and Manson in that order. Kadri's down that low only because he's likely priced himself out of Denver. As for Mack's extension, Erik Johnson's $6m deal ends the same year, so that will likely all go to Mack which would bring him up to $12.5m. He'll likely take less than that though because he wants to win and has said as much.
Burakovsky is gone. Cogliano, Sturm, Helm, Murray, and Jack Johnson could stay but likely at the vet minimum.
You're probably looking at $5.5-6m for Nichushkin, $5-5.5m for Kuemper, and $3.5-4m for Lehkonen. Leaves you about $12m to sign a 2C and fill the depth out. Though I don't see them spending more than $6m on a 2C given that Byram and Newhook will also need deals next year. It's going to be an interesting summer...