I think we're too worried about bargain hunting with Zuccarello. He makes $3.5m this season. If he makes $5.5m on his next contract because of his performance warrants it, it'll be worth it. I expect the cap to increase by at least $4m, plus I expect MSL's contract to decrease, if he doesn't retire, by at least $1m based on the contracts Selanne was pulling in.
Just as an example...
FORWARDS
Rick Nash ($7.800m) / Derek Stepan ($5.500m) / Mats Zuccarello ($5.500m)
Carl Hagelin ($3.000m) / Derick Brassard ($4.600m) / Marty St Louis ($4.000m)
Chris Kreider ($2.475m) / JT Miller ($2.000m) / Jesper Fast ($0.805m)
Tanner Glass ($1.450m) / Dominic Moore ($1.500m) / Lee Stempniak ($0.900m)
DEFENSEMEN
Dan Girardi ($5.500m) / Ryan McDonagh ($4.700m)
Dan Boyle ($4.500m) / Marc Staal ($5.500m)
Kevin Klein ($2.900m) / John Moore ($1.500m)
Mike Kostka ($0.650m) /
GOALTENDERS
Henrik Lundqvist ($8.500m)
Mackenzie Skapski ($0.663m)
BUYOUTS
Wade Redden ($0.000m)
Brad Richards ($0.000m)
BONUS OVERAGE
$0
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CAPGEEK.COM TOTALS (follow @capgeek on Twitter)
(estimations for 2015-16)
SALARY CAP: $74,000,000; CAP PAYROLL: $73,943,333; BONUSES: $231,667
CAP SPACE (21-man roster): $56,667
Obviously, a lot can change between now and next year. I wouldn't fret over this... yet.