Most users on this forum aren't going to like this idea, but I understand where you're coming from. Due to Covid-19 a lot of teams will be cashstrapped and the salary cap will not go up the next couple of years. It got a lot harder to trade guys like Allen and Bozak, if there's even a chance to trade both, which I'm utterly sceptical about if we're not able to retain on both for quite a bit. There are some teams that might be interested in Allen if you attach Dunn to the deal (as we might have a hard time signing him to an extension anyway).
I'm more and more convinced that if we want to keep Petro AND be able to resign Parayko, Binnington, Thomas, Barbashev, Sanford and Kyrou next year we might have to make a move that will feel like a kick in the balls on the short term to secure we stay a contender on the long term. Steens 5.75 million and Bozaks 5 million coming off the books at the end of next season isn't going to be enough (I see Allen as a must trade this summer) and Faulk is untradeable at the moment (don't expect Seattle to pick him up either, even if we bribe them with our 2021 first). Trading Schwartz is a realistic possibility although the thought alone feels bad. However, Schwartz is a UFA in a year, he has stretches where he has trouble getting on the scoreboard and is injury prone.
Just to reiterate: I absolutely do not want to trade Schwartz, but due to how the hockey world changed after Covid-19, I wouldn't be surprised if we will HAVE to if we want to keep Petro and be able to sign our other players to improved deals.
- Allen + Dunn for a 1st + another pick or prospect*
- Schwartz for a 1st + another pick or prospect*
- Sign Petro to the 'Roman Josi-deal' (7x9 million)
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This will leave us at aprox. 1.2 million under the cap.
At the end of next season the contracts of Bozak, Steen and Gunnarsson will come off the books (12 million-ish), so we have enough space to sign Parayko, Binnington, Thomas, Barbashev, Sanford and Kyrou to new and improved deals.
* (pick/prospect depends on the 1st)