Quoting: JeffW
I would argue that you cant afford it..
If Hall signs for 9.5
Landy 8 mill
Grubauer 5-6.5
Makar 7-9
Timmins ??
Jost ??
Graves ??
I think many agree with you, but I think it can be done. Obviously there is a lot of uncertainty on the cap, but I try to project 4-5 years out and think it works. Landy will get a raise, but not a huge one, and I think the same can be said for Jost, Timmins, and Grubauer. Eventually Annunen (hopefully) replaces one of the goalies, which also helps. Makar will be the big one, as he's worth every bit of $10M.
At that point someone will need to be moved or let go. Johnson, Kadri, and Burakovsky are the most obvious candidates. Losing any of them is not ideal, but the team has options coming up. And if you do move a guy like Burakovsky, you get something back (picks or prospects) to help keep things rolling in the future. Even Girard could be a candidate to move if it turns out Byram makes him expendable.
I also gain a lot of comfort by looking at other teams. If the Avs can't afford the above, then many other teams won't be able to afford their rosters. Eventually the cap needs to go up, even if it means escrow. All this is to say that I do hear the concerns loud and clear, but I think the benefits outweigh the concerns. Just my opinion.