Yeah Rittich's number is arguably a bigger wildcard than Tkachuk, I am sure they have an idea where Tkachuk will slot at least. Bennett is also a big question mark, I wonder if he might take his qualifying offer and be a year from UFA status, given he is only 2 years from UFA status could see him hardballing on any long term deal since he wouldn't get offered huge money as an RFA anyway. Even though he hasn't lit it up, UFAs get paid.
Current cap 79.5
Projected cap 83 mil (
link)
Flames current cap space 2019-20 : 12.5 mil
With cap growth : 16 mil
9 forwards and 8 defencemen signed. For argument sake, swap Kylington with a forward like Mangiapane with a similar cap hit.... another depth forward (Quine/Dube/Hathaway) is probably $800-850K.
Remaining need to sign 2 forwards (Bennett and Tkachuk) and 2 goalies (Rittich and ?) with that 15.2 mil left.
If Rittich takes 2.5, they're laughing, could probably even add. But given they are buying UFA years and the flames don't have any alternatives, I don't see him going that low personally.
My best guess if the season keeps trending this way and the wheels don't fall off would be 3.5 for Rittich on about 3 years, 3.5 for Bennett if they want to lock him down longer term or 1.95 if he just takes the qualifying deal, 8-8.5 for Tkachuk with term.
So they probably do need to move Stone out this summer just to have that flexibility and fit in a backup but it's not a dire situation by any stretch, just think Rittich is the wildcard.