This is simplistic, in terms of what options there are, not to mention presumptuous. Rielly's injury isn't really relevant, to what we do with Barrie next year anyway.
Your codes.
B./ He might want $8M... or maybe it's $7M... or $6.5M?? (Probably not $6.5M)... but you have the conversation, because it's critical for planning...
C./ Is that definitively what he'd return?
As I've suggested before, the other option is... explore trading Rielly, and see if we can upgrade our RD in doing so. For example, after this year, St. Louis only has Gunnarsson signed as a LD.... If they sign Pietrangelo, do they move Parayko? Could we do a deal, Rielly for Parayko, and resign Barrie?
To build a D, with Parayko, Barrie, Muzzin, Dermott, Liljegren, Sandin, Holl, Marincin... would be a pretty solid D core IMO. Dermott becomes the Expansion draft victim in all likelihood, but that's something that can be overcome.... or Seattle picks a forward from us instead?? To build such a D, is a challenge on the salary cap though... no question there. Kapanen and Johnsson would have to be moved... for prospects or picks... and we'd have to hope that the rest of the RFA/UFA sign reasonably as well... we do have some leverage.
Like I've suggested, you have to have that conversation with Barrie and his people first. We like you, we are trying to find a way to improve.. what are your expectations for your next contract? Look, we've done the math, and this is what we can afford... if that doesn't work... he becomes an own rental.
There is zero chance we trade him, barring trades that brings in RD, and makes him expendable.
So many variables, that this isn't a simplistic discussion.