I just hope we don't end up with 5+ year contracts for Ferland, Simmonds, and Myers. Don't need more Eriksson and Gudbranson contracts on the team.
Get someone from the top end if possible (Karlsson or Stone). Otherwise just stick to smart signings.
Regardless of who it could be, the prospect of signing guys past their prime is the scary part. I have no faith in a guy like Simmonds lasting longer than 3 years. Myers, injuries concern me. Ferland, I guess it's the desire that worries me.
As great as the 2003 draft class was, they turn 34 this year. How many of that group would you want on your roster at $7 - $8million against the cap for the next 2 years until they turn 36? Bergeron, Burns, Getzlaf, Weber, Staal? A bunch of them like Parise (injury), Kesler, Backes, Vanek, Eriksson, Phaneuf, Seabrook, etc. you wouldn't want.
So, you need to be very realistic as to who can still be very productive into their mid 30's.
If the market moves to paying younger players, then you can't afford the overpaid mid 30 year old because your post ELC guys are no longer going to be underpaid. They will be paid for what they should produce in their prime.