If Kunitz is magically shipped out and Plotnikov has issues transitioning, who plays Top 6 LW?
Currently I believe we have 2.48m in cap space with 11F and 8D and 1G on the roster. Figure Pouliot is getting called up and likely both Erixon and Clendening will be sent down. That saves us .497m. So 2.977m of cap space for 11F, 7D, 1G. Minus 600K for Zatkoff and that's 2.3m for 3 forwards (12,13,14) and whatever cap space Rutherford wants to carry into the season. Keep in mind that Fehr and his 2m will be on LTIR for the first little while. Here's a list of the forwards most likely to potentially make the roster and their cap hits.
Brigs .894m
Sundqvist .700m
Simon .692m
Sheahy .667m
Wilson .655m
Rust .652m
Farnham .575m
So basically cap wise we're fine. We can carry a full roster and have 200-300k in cap space depending on which forwards we call up (if any). Tight, but not the end of the world - especially early on when Fehr will be on LTIR giving us another 1.7m or so in space.
As for Kunitz/Plotnikov, or whomever... we have a lot of options internally to battle it out for that last spot. Bonino, Fehr, Dupuis, Bennett, Kunitz, Plotnikov, etc. Basically since getting Kessel, his skill gives us the ability to plop anyone on the other wing who will fit best with that line, and that line could still be an effective line. I mean Dupuis with his speed, and the style of game he plays could actually be an effective linemate for Crosby/Kessel. Like I said... lots of options.
Which means... if there's a half decent trade for Kunitz that makes sense, I'd jump all over it. While I still think Kunitz will bounce back and be a hell of a lot better than last season... I'd much rather someone else take that risk then us.