CupsoverCash has actually posted the closest thing to reality, let me explain....
Cally ain't moving without some kind of serious cap handicap to this team. But why move him, with what he still can bring. It's not like Carle and being healthy scratched and playing less than 10 mins. You have to replace his mins and role. Guys like Brown and Paquette have failed to do that. Even if he is destined to be one the 3rd line moving forward, is that a bad thing? The 3rd line has wet the bed numerous times when he was not on it. Next to Palat he is our best defensive forward and PK'er. I also grow tired of people now bashing Palat over his playoff production, people don't get it, it is not just about ****ing points, you have two nets. But that is a discussion for another day. Yzerman knew what he was getting when he signed Callahan, and he has delivered to those expectations, even if a few people here disagree.
Flip will be gone because of Vladdy's potential moving up, and you lock him next to Cally, you know his Two way game will get much better which is severly needed. Brown and Paquette have played better when with Cally, but there is no offense there because Paquette and Brown are not goal scorers or playmakers. Vladdy is actually Cally's best chance to get his offensive game back while not being in the top 6. Of course I am sure he will get the gig with Stamkos at some point in the regular season. Cally has several 20 goal seasons under his belt so he can score goals.....when he is not injured that is.
There is enough cap, and other contracts to move to re-sign everyone without touching #24. It's setting up to give the next round of raises when Cally's contract falls off. Drouin will likely get a bridge deal for 3 years, don't know why Yzerman would give him a 6 and 6 type deal even if he has a great season, it is only one full season.
Yeah as soon as the move Cally posts start up again, here I am, back to my Callafan white knight posts. Yzerman will give him the next two seasons to get back on track. After that cannot blame him for moving him if he has not gotten at least close to his career point production. Moving him after 2018 won't have as huge of a handicap as it will now or next year.