Guentzel will likely cost 9+

Agreed here. You also have a roster of 20 with zero cap space. Carolina is on the short list of very interesting offseasons coming up. Obviously a great franchise but they have some tough decisions.

then do it, whatever it takes, figure the other stuff out after that.

And I'd not pay pesce that much. pay Chatfield 3 mil and you have an extra 2.8.

there is also no question that Kotkaniemi won't be here next year. so there's another 4.8 mil

Also, have you murdered Jack Drury and taken him to the train station?

Brett Pesce is seeking 7x7

Jake Guentzel will be seeking 8x9.5

Neither of those signings are remotely close.

CAR traded for Jake knowing full well it was now or never given their cap situation.
I doubt they are going to try and resign him.

Well, considering how the rest of the guys around him are playing I wouldn't bet my life on that.