If Guentzel is good with a 6 X 8.25 he's staying in Pittsburgh. I'd be willing to give him up to 10, maybe even 10.5, but no more than a 6 year term if I'm Dubas....But either way I imagine his next contract wherever will be at least 6 X 9 or 9.5 (if not 8 years) on the low end....

I do believe that in this scenario, the caps could offer him a 20 million AAV and still be under the cap, so I don't think the numbers matter as much as the players added

No thanks

Copy that. I see what you were doing now..

Yep, what he said. I definitely think the 6x8.25 is the floor for Guentzel, and he would take it for the right team (staying in Pitt would definitely be an option there). He'll be a fascinating player to see on the oPen market because I think he generally caps out at around 5x9, but some lunatic is going to come out with a 7x9.5 or something.

1. I would go shorter on bridges for McM and Sandin, I don't think either has really proven they're long term pieces yet this year
2. Why buy out Kuemper just to sign Nedeljkovic and save ~$1m?
3. Would rather bring back NAK and Malenstyn than have Fischer and Sutter - don't think they would be any more expensive either
4. They're almost certainly going to have $2m in bonus overages from Pacioretty's deal
5. $60M total is the most I would give to Guentzel (around 8.5x7 or 9.5x6), don't really care about the years. Don't think he's the best fit but not many other options in FA
6. With this much space, I think you have to go out and get a legit top pair defender as well. I think the market is actually surprisingly deep there this year - Hanifin, Skjei, Pesce, Roy would all fit the bill
7. I would be very nervous having McM, Lap, Miro, and Leonard taking up 4 of my top 9

1. I would, too, but I also would have done the same with Protas. GMBM seems to have different ideas. I think they've each done as much as he has, with higher draft capital and potential. He may be trying to solidify the near-term core of the team.
2. Term. There does not appear to be a great option in free agency, so I'd rather go for upside than downswing, have the short term small cap savings, and the long term bigger savings and roster spot.
3. I'm not a fan of either of them. I'd rather try something new, especially so if Dowd does get traded (which I didn't have happening here).
4. Maybe. In this scheme, not a big shift in strategy if he does, but he's already showing struggles to stay healthy.
5. 100% agree.
6. Also agree. Hanifin or a trade would be my choice, but I'm making the assumption the big names get signed and/or traded with extensions this offseason. The money is there.
7. Young coach, young players with little preconceived notions and high talent ceilings. I'm ready for the gamble, but it's definitely a gamble.