The goalie swap idea is crazy, I know. Don't kill me over it. Just wanted to think out another plan if teams in need of a starter dry up fast.
Okposo may be an overpaid on this deal, but all UFAs are. Just trying to be realistic. Need to improve scoring.

Okposo deal isn't bad and he fits a need we have almost perfectly, not to mention he is relatively young for a FA. The goalie swap thing could work but I believe Nill will be under pressure to bring in a less risky, younger option. Even if it means shedding more assets.

I actually don't think the goalie swap idea is all that crazy. Dallas essentially has two backup goalies, and I think Lehtonen is the better of the two, so they'd be more inclined to keep him. I believe Howard still has the potential to be a great starter in this league. The wings may have to retain some salary on the deal to draw Dallas in, however. I do not think the Okposo deal is far off from what he'll get. I think most people will agree that he will likely be overpaid.

I don't think the goalie move would happen as you have finished it. I think the Wings and Dallas add a third team who takes Niemi (Calgary / Carolina). Why let go of Howard for Niemi one for one? Your saving $1M when you should be looking to save $4M with Howard's departure. Ken Holland will NOT bruise the image of Detroit's loyalty to it's players for $1M of CAP space. Niemi at $4.5M as a backup will also drive up Mrazek's price up to. At the end of the day, lets be real, who is better to back up Mrazek when both contracts are just about the same? Howard finished up the year much better than Niemi did. Just a wasted deal all around if you go one for one. Your other moves are pretty good though. I like Okposo and Vatanen. I wish Detroit would move Ericsson or Smith. I think Dekeyser will get a similar contract to Ericsson, but that wont make a difference to your CAP here.