I doubt the Isles do anything with Lee tbh, at least not this offseason. However, if they did I don't see them retaining on his salary for 2 seasons when they can just buy him out

VG aren't over the cap as of now, so not sure why they would trade Hill for FC unless they come across a better opportunity. I don't think there are any UFA G who are better, so chances are he goes the other way if they get an upgrade.

Buyout
Y1: $2.875m
Y2: $4.225m
Y3: $1.75m
Y4: $1.85m
(No pick)

Retention
Y1: $3.0m
Y2: $3.0m
Y3: $0
Y4: $0
(Pick)

Retention seems more attractive than a buyout

If they are trying to extend Stephenson and Marchessault…someone would get squeezed out…no?

I think one or both of those guys will be gone, they have Hertl, so don't really need Stephenson. They also have Karlsson on the 3rd line. There would need to be more happening I think,to me it doesn't make much sense for them to butcher their goalie tandem, unless they are getting better (maybe they trade Theodore for Saros?) or get someone who is cheaper than Hill with term, like if they acquire Gustavsson (think any team that needs a goalie should pursue him). Still don't think that they would have to trade Hill with a player for FC though, probably just him for FC or a 4th/3rd/2nd.

You really think Lou would retain 50% on his captain?

As he used to say, “no sacred cows”

Buyout could be more attractive if they are looking to make an addition this year, when you consider the cap should be going up a healthy sum next year, and they will have a lot of money coming off the books. I think they need to consider whether they can get a better player than Lee with 4M and 3.5M. If the guy that they can get for 4M is similar to who they can get at 3.5M, then definitely the 3.5M+3rd would be better.

Idk I feel like he is just married to this core, especially with him giving Scott f-cking Mayfield 7 years