Essentially in comes down to protecting:
one more at Forward: Backlund or Bennett
Bennett is an RFA who may be a late bloomer.
Backlund is a depreciating asset with sizable contract. Lindholm could certainly replace him as a 2C if a 1RW emerges.
Unless Bennett has really down year and we don't want to pay at arbitration. Backlund is the easier asset to replace given the cap space gained.
one more on Defense: Giordano, Tanev or Kylington.
Unless Kylington progresses alot this year he remains a tweener with flaws in his defensive game and not enough upside offensively. Easy to leave available.
Tanev was signed as UFA without using assets and has too long a contract for most of us. So also easy to leave available.
Gio with only one year left on his contract is very likely protected as Captain since still only 2 years post Norris.
Kraken's selection amongst who is not protected can be replaced internally or as a UFA signing if it creates significant cap space in this tight cap world.
Well played BT overall. Not losing sleep over impact to Flames.
|