Moving on...
In 2020-2021, I think we could handle it, but in 2021-2022, having spent $20M for 3 centers betrays us as we re-sign Svech. Between his contract and Haula's, they will suck up all of the cap space regained from Marleau and Semin's expired buyouts, and we'll find ourselves replacing many top-6/top-4 chess pieces (Dougie, Nino, and Dzingel).
Think about the wonderfully amazing things GMBC has been able to do this offseason because they've had the room to maneuver under the cap. That space gives them the flexibility to pounce on good deals when they present themselves. Affording both Haula and Staal is the antithesis of that.
Just because you *can* do something doesn't equate to it being *wise* to do it.
Sure and I 100% get what you and others are saying about cap flexibility. It's a great thing, it's just that there's sooo many uncertainties after the 2021 season... like who's our goalie? We have $6.5 tied up in Mrazek and Reimer. If Ned or someone else takes over the starting job after that or even if we re-sign Mrazek to a longer terms deal in the $4 mil AAV range then there's cap savings there.
Edmundson I would have to think is gone after this year. That's $3.1 off the books. If he's replaced with Bean or Priskie or whoever then that saves a ton. Same with TVR's contract expiring.
You also have McGinn and Martinook coming off the books and that's another 4+ million. If they are replaced internally with ELCs then more room to negotiate.
If the borg thinks it makes sense to try to move out Staal's contract in the future they will look into it but I think there will be enough salary coming off the books in other areas to give us flexibility.
I personally don't see Haula as a $6 million player, I would put him closer to $5 mil and I don't think the borg will be eager to overpay. Like they've done with everyone, they will make an offer that they think is fair and it will be a take it or leave it. I'd love to have Haula + Staal as our 2C and 3C for the next few years but maybe Necas or someone else will present themselves as an option as well. I guess I'm just not too worried about it right now or even in a year.