It's realistic. Depressing, but realistic.

I think you're a bit light on Fiala's deal. He's probably going to be closer to 7M AAV, but you have the space.

Also, thank you for leaving enough cap room to account for Year 2!

Overall good job.

That’s a waste of a 3rd rounder. Wild don’t need to dump rask.

My only major suggestion would be to grab another utility center/winger from UFA. Rossi has played what 4 games in the last 16 months...? I think he’ll require quite a bit of time in Iowa.

I think because the draft this year is considered relatively weak, we can afford to waste a 3rd rounder to get rid of Rask and his salary to a team that has room for a year and could use a somewhat serviceable center for a year, when we need to elevate our guys like Sturm and Rossi to higher roles.

It is important to realize we will be hamstrung for sure the next couple years, so signing guys to long term deals in FA doesn't make much sense for sure. I bet Fiala goes for more than 6M AAV, but Guerin may try to play hardball with him since he hasn't signed yet, but we can dream he'll only get 5.75

I also thought that too, but nothing in FA honestly intrigues me as a center option that can't just be elevated either from Iowa or someone like Rossi/Boldy. Stastiny maybe, but a Derek Stepan just doesn't scream sexy for myself personally in that top spot, but definitely understand where you are coming from.

No I’m not impressed with FA market either, and certainly don’t get excited at the prospect of rolling Stepan out there. But regardless, you simply cannot assume Rossi starts in the NHL. No matter how underwhelming the FA is, you have no choice but to get another capable body.

Edit - or you keep Rask