It's actually worse when you do the math without carrying over this years bonuses to EP and QH, because I don't think capfriendly can project that, I've got them having $4.3m in cap space with 13 forwards, 8 defensman and one goalie. The bonuses will eat that $4.3m cushion. So look for Demko to tandem with a league minimum type like McIlhinney or something.
That's with Loui and Sven buried (no one is trading for these guys).
Juolevi and Rafferty on the roster at under $850k a piece, same with Motte and Macewan. Tanev and Stecher got minor raises, Tanev up to $4.5 and Stecher up to $3m.
Error - CapFriendly - NHL Salary Caps
This should be eye opening and extremely concerning, but we're too busy heaping praise on JT Miller to worry about the future.
Basically downgrades at forward (Leivo and Schaller are better than Macewan and Motte). Same blueline. Worse goaltending situation. It's dire and nobody is really worrying about it. It's crazy to me.