You could trade Holden out and use his salary recoup for 3 low contracts to balance out a 23 man roster

I mean, do you have to? I know you must have a roster of at least 20 players, idk does it have to be 23. McPhee said he doesn’t see another cap move coming. But how do you fill it out then

Holden was a benchwarmer last year and will be again this year. McPhee has stated that one of Hague, Whitecloud, and Schuldt will be fighting for that 6th spot. There is no requirement to have a 23 man unit, but it is wise to manage towards one

I do like the idea of signing Gusev for less money for just the one year deal, Gusev gets his UFA status next year and gets to prove his worth with a year of NHL experience