Why would Calgary get themselves into worse cap issues and give up a 1st to do it

For Mantha, McMichael, and 2024 3rd round pick (MIN) Buffalo should retain 50%.
Mantha would look really good in a Sabre uniform.
If offered, the Sabres should say yes.

I think the Sabres would probably say yes to this deal, but no reason for them to retain as they would be taking on more cap in the deal. I would expect the Sabres to retain half on mantha and try to move him themselves in a separate deal. He would be redundant. Similar player to Greenway, big winger with very limited production. At least Greenway plays with some physicality

we really just saw how half a season with no carlson tanks the team and there's still acgms giving him away for pennies on the dollar smh

This. I was a Carlson hater at the start of the year, but it’s become obvious the impact he has on the team’s offense. Can’t get rid of him right now while we’re competing. Maybe the injury gave him time to reevaluate hockey and he’s got the love for the game again and he won’t be coasting around like he was this past October.

CGY doesn't have the Cap Space and Carlson is too old to consider doing anything like that or paying that much