blinkman360
Loyal Players Only
Brodin just got 6 million over 7 years. Pulock should be worth at least as much IMO. I don't know how Islanders can keep him, Barzal and Toews. Some players must be traded or they will lose one or more to offer sheets. All would do better statistically on other teams, especially Pulock and Barzy. Going to be a real interesting off-season with so many teams in a cap crunch.
Barzal will clearly be the priority. Toews shouldn't get too much. While showing a lot of promise he's done little to this point in his career to warrant much more than like $3.5M on a short term deal. Pulock will be the big one though. If he is looking for something in the $7M range I'd probably look to deal him for a winger we can stick with Barzal. Start the Dobson era.
Overall though, yeah - Lou will have to get pretty creative this offseason. Leddy being dealt for futures seems like a given. After that he's going to need to get at least one of Ladd or Boychuk off the books. My hope is that Boych has an impressive showing the rest of the way here, proving he can at least still be a valuable defender - even if only 3rd pairing level. Two years left and I don't think the cost to bounce him will be too crazy. Then hopefully we can pay Seattle to take Ladd or Leo next year(if both are still here by then).
I'm more worried about the offseason after next year, where Sorokin, Pelech and Beauvillier are due for substantial raises.