People are looking a blowing up the team. It wont happen. The step forward taken by the team this year most likely will push any management to try to build on what is the core. They probably feel that players like Suzuki, KK, Romanov, CC will build on this season and become more important pieces. Also, let be franc here.... neither Price or Weber are going anywhere. Is it a possibility that they want to go to Seattle? Sure. Is it likely? not really. For one of them to remove their NMC for the expansion draft is to admit they want out. This only come if there is 100% certainty from both the player and the team that they are move out in short order. Otherwise, this is going to be a circus around the team from media and fans. So this require a deal ahead of time and in that scenario, Francis will ask for more to take on the contract and I'm not certain Bergevin would agree to that.
I really don't get why people want to move away from Tatar. With Danault and Gally, they form one of the best 5vs5 line in the NHL. If Tatar is willing to resign at a club friendly cap hit, I'm 100% behind this idea. Same with Danault. With a flat cap hit and contract given to players like Toffoli, you can certainly lock both down at a cap hit close to 5M per for both.
Drouin is the odd man out for me. I just don't see him fitting anywhere. Same with Byron. If we can manage to deal them, that would be ideal.
I like the idea of trading KK ++ for a game changer #1C (like Eichel). if this is an option somewhere... I think its a good time to do it. One prospect that I would try to deal in the offseason is Harris. I don't see him signing with us at all. Better get a good return now on him while he has value.
I would resign Armia and Lehk. I think that Lehk see is salary drop. Armia would stay pretty much the same.
Caufleid - #1C (Eichel/10millions) - Anderson
Toffoli - Suzuki - Armia (resign 2,5)
Tatar (5m) - Danaul (5m) - Gally
Lehk (1,5m) - Evans - UFA (Perry if possible at 1 millions).
(about 44millions for forwards)
On D, Since I think we will lose Chiarot to the extension draft, this leave us with a gap heading into next season with this.
XXX - Weber
Edm - Petry
Romanov - Kulak/other
(21 millions for 5 dman)
Price
Allen
(13millions on G)
This is roughly 78 millions cap hit. Some space to get a partner for Weber. To me, this is a much more realistic scenario (minus the Eichel trade). If you keep KK, then you have more to put on D for a parther for weber.