You have McAvoy and Carlo still on their entry level deals. I've been saying ever since McAvoy broke out in the fall they have a rare opportunity to have a beefy blueline that goes 6-7 deep. Enjoy it for one more year because when those two get paid, it's going to be a lot more difficult to build a formidable blueline. I also believe both Krug and Miller are underpaid for what they bring and the minutes they can play. If Grzlyck continues along this path, he will be too.
McQuaid is a luxury. An expensive one. He's clearly the 4th best RHD. When you draw up the starting 6 D on paper for next fall, he's not in it. If you're a team looking to find cap space for improvements, that's where you would ideally make cuts.
I also think there's a log jam of prospects with value that wont last forever.
Sorry but i still don't see it.
Chara and krug are both at 5+ mill or so.
Charas year to year so after next season if he's still playing and stays hopefully that numbers coming down when Mcavoys looking for a new deal.
Plus it really is time to start planning for his replacement.
And i dont see Krug or miller anywhere near underpaid.
Carlo should not even come close to breaking the bank. All this love for his skating and passing has translated to 16 and 10 point seasons. (With zero playoff experience). Hi second deal should be more than reasonable. Carlo isn't (or shouldn't) be getting paid on his next contract.
Same with Gryz. His second deal should be easy to absorb. He hasnt shown that he's remotely close to anything special.
Mcquaids in the last year of his deal (actual money is 2 mill) the extra .75 mill on the cap is like the one crushed cherio in the box... it really doesn't matter.
And I'd say he's the third best right handed D on the team... mcavoy carlo mcquaid. And he's good insurance for injury. Not a luxary at all.
That logjam of d-prospects.... from what I've read they arent showing that anyone on the current roster should be worried.
After this year they have some choices to make.
But i think they have options as well.
And i'd roll the dice on dealing krug if its that oilers pick people are speculating about if eveyone is really that high on gryz and the other kids. But i dont see it if its next year and the year after that people are looking at for the cup.