I think Sharks consider it and ultimately do it if Chiarot is swapped with a 2024 1st and SJ retains say 1.5-2mil.

You have to take Ben Chiarot or retain 4-5 million

In that case it's an easy Sharks decline.

Any deal the sharks don't have to retain money on they take in a second,

Sharks get Raymond in this deal. That's really good for them.

Sharks take Chiarot and buy him out after this year. the cap hit for a Chiarot buyout is only one year more than an EK retention and is:
- 24-25: $1,083,333
- 25-26: $2,083,333
- 26-27: $1,583,333
- 27-28: $1,583,333

As opposed to to the 3.5-5.75 mil most (fans) want Sharks to retain on EK until 26-27. It also keeps two retention slots open for deadline deals, instead of being limited to 1 for the next 2 years

Very good point. Favorable buyout cap penalty for sure.