1) McNabb gets taken. I don't see vegas taking Brown. Gaborik is more likely than Brown with a lower cap hit, has a cup, still a skilled/fast skater with shorter contract.
2) I'm conflicted. I like showing loyalty to players. Brown has been here his entire career. So a purely cap issue, I would say Brown. From a loyalty standing, I would say Gaborik before Brown.
3) Homer vote. Kings. Our D has steadied. More production from Brown. Just need a healthy Quick back.
Speaking of cap issues, if vegas takes Gaborik (I still think there's a better chance for McNabb), summer 2018 our cap issues are gone and maybe we can sign a major impact UFA.
Summer 2018
Assuming Gaborik is taken by Vegas and no re-signings of the below players:
Gaborik @ $4,875,000
King @ $1,950,000
Purcell @ $1,600,000
Nolan @ $950,000
Greene @ $2,500,000
Gilbert @ $1,400,000
Scuderi @ $180,625
Total: $13,455,625
Purcell, Gilbert, and Scuds aren't even playing. Greene is almost at that point.
Toffoli and Pearson need to be re-signed. Hopefully there will be a cap increase to help with this. And some guys will have to come up from the AHL (remember it's summer 2018 and not currently) and that will eat up some more. But the remaining can hopefully sign a significant impact UFA.
Vegas just needs to cooperate.