Barre-Boulet is going to have to show a lot this year to get a top line role in '23-'24. Not sure if Names is willing to come back that cheap either. Bellemare will be 39, but whether it's him or someone comparable, they'll do as a 4C. I hope they can keep Perry if he can stay useful, and maybe trade or sign for a legit top 6 winger. On defense, can't see Foote ready for top pairing, but maybe. Bogo has worked okay with Hedman before, so could see that as an option. Next off season will definitely be the most difficult though, before hopefully the cap rises more substantially the year after.

Barre-Boulet seems like he could fit well in a skilled role with Kuch and Point. If he doesn’t work out we can always just put Stamkos on the top line. But next off-season there certainly isn’t a lot of room to add players; we’ll have to rely on some prospects to come in and fill out the lineup

Yes, at least 1 or 2 because Brisebois handed out a terrible contract to Serg and less so to Cirelli and Cernak. The extra 2.5-3 million that I and many others thought they'd have to either keep Palat or sign a real top 6 winger is gone because of these overpays.