Dermott is arbitration eligible next year and will be due a big raise. Especially if he plays both LHD and RHD. He’s gonna have all the leverage, unlike this year. That’s why it was smart and he just had to sign the QO.

As of right now, he might not get enough playing time to justify a big raise through an arbitration award.

Rielly, Brodie and Muzzin have 3 or the top 4 spots locked up.
The way Lehtonen is dominating the KHL, he should be able.to win a top 4 role.
That leaves Sandin, Holl, Dermott, Bogosian and Liljegren fighting for time on the bottom pair.