If Neal can somehow be removed, it would seriously strengthen!
Sod&Ennis could be a nice 3rd combo.

Chiasson can be moved to make room for Benson also

I think Russell, and Chiasson can be moved, and if we can’t move Neal then maybe buyout is an option??

just don't QO AA, replace him with a better player like Marody or Benson... or like any league min guy you can sign...

If you don't bother with Sheahan it becomes a lot easier. Both Khaira and Haas can play 4C.

But yeah, something has to be moved out to bring in any significant UFA's.

I hate the idea of another buyout (Neal), but every which way I look at the situation it seems like the easiest way of improving the roster. I wouldn't be surprised if Holland went that route, but I'll be disappointed.

That’s fair, we just need the cap space. And Neal isn’t worth the 5.75M

Six years is a long time to handicap the team. It basically spans McDavid's entire prime. Not good.

Do you think there are any takers for Neal? I think maybe a rebuilding team (Ottawa, Detroit, LA, etc..) maybe Seattle if they have to reach the cap floor when they come.

Not without money coming back, no. But that could work still: what if Holland could send Neal to Nashville for Turris? Similar money and term, but Turris can play 3C so it helps the roster.

That’s not a bad offer, and Nashville needs someone who can play PP. I think that could work!

I don’t see how it can’t happen. Don’t qualify AA simple enough. Could trade neal in return if not taking money back retain the equal cost of a buyout cost doing this way avoids adding term to dead cap. I’d rather both those options over trading russell personally but that’s another option.

sodo will get a long term deal somewhere else