Since Linden and Benning have both said they do not anticipate pursuing any of the top tier free agents this summer, it brings up the topic of "weaponizing" cap space. I think the term is a bit over blown, but if there are teams that want to take a run at Tavares, Van Riemsdyk, Kovalchuk, etc in free agency there are a couple of deals that could work.
Dallas had a disappointing year in 2017-18, finishing out of the playoffs, 6th in the Central Division. They have a really solid defense (6th in goals against, 3rd in shots against/game) but their offense was anemic. The Star generating only 231 goals (18th overall) and 31 shots per game (20th) during the 2017-18 season.
There are reports that they are talking to Valeri Nichushkin - but he hasn't even been lighting the KHL on fire since he bolted. If John Tavares hits the UFA market the Stars will be very interested, and failing that they will almost certainly be talking to Ilya Kovalchuk. Other big names include James Van Riemsdy, Paul Stastny and James Neal. They also have Mattias Janmark and Antoine Roussel to resign as well as a backup goalie. Dallas is not totally pinched for cap space with the cap going up, but if they want to take a run at Tavares or Kovalchuk the cost will be very high.
The Canucks could take on Jason Spezza - who has a $7.5M cap hit for 2018-19 and pick up a draft pick in return. I don't know what the value of taking on that cap space is, perhaps a 2nd or maybe swapping our 3rd for their 2nd (plus their extra pick in the 4th round)?
For the Canucks, Spezza would provide depth at C and allow us to play Pettersson and/or Dahlen on the wing and develop Gaudette more slowly in Utica. Spezza would be an ideal veteran C for the Canucks.
Winnipeg is going to want another shot at the Conference Finals, but they are really tight to the cap and need to sign Paul Stastny, Jacob Trouba, Josh Morrissey and Connor Hellebuyck. Unfortunately, they already gave up their 1st round pick to acquire Stastny; will they give up another pick to re-sign him? But taking Steve Mason and his $4.1M cap hit off their hands would make it a lot easier.