They trade Brown and Zaitsev and sign Kapanen and Johnsson

I think Marner is $8.5M to $9M. Kap is the problem as even on a bridge he will need $3.5M.

i doubt that. i think he gets around 2.5-3 on a bridge deal. put up big numbers with Auston but i think he levels off playing with Naz and his shooting percentage will dip a bit

Assuming 10 and 12.5, which is high for both players, this team takes a pretty large step back. A couple of steps backwards actually.

Even then look at comparable players. A 20 plus goal scorer and 40 point player gets $3.5m all day.

You forgot to sign Kapanen and maybe Lindberg. I can't see Bracco and Brooks being NHL ready. I don't see how Marner can justify 10m. Kucherov who was one year away from UFA and a better player gets 9.5m

Thank you for the feedback folks. I agree that signing Marner for cheaper would be a priority but if he goes lower does Matthews go higher than Connor McDavid based on percentage of cap? I think this points out the need for RD even though I am a huge fan of Kapanen and Johnsson. Also agree that some of those AHL players are not NHL ready and hope that we can find more "Ennis" type contracts. Moving Zaitsev and Brown out becomes a priority either for bringing in new D or retaining Gardiner.