The core concept to this strategy is to remain competitive while rebuilding the prospect pool over the next three years.
I think Pittsburgh can achieve this if they:
• Resign Malkin and Letang to reasonable contracts [I used comps of Getzlaf and Barrie - I know they aren't exact but it's just a ballpark]. Generally speaking I think they will be in the 4.5 to 6.5M range. They both seem sincere about wanting to finish their careers in Pittsburgh. 3 year deals have them both expiring with Crosby.
• Resign Rust and Kapanen - I think this is a fair deal for both. Maybe Kapanen wants more but Pitt has some leverage with RFA status
• They don't trade their 1st or 2nd round picks
Other factors:
• This set up essentially gives the Pens between 2.5 and 2.75M per slot to fill the rest of the roster, and that's assuming the cap remains flat for 3 additional years - I bet it increases in a year or two.
• This also assumes they don't trade any of their defenseman. I think it's possible one of the LHD gets moved this year.
• I signed Marc-Andre Fleury for old times sake.
The main point here is that Pittsburgh actually has a ton of space next year to make adjustments - this is just one of a million possibilities. Let me know what ya think.
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