I think Copp does better than that.

Probably, but not by much. Wiggle room is an option.

Copp would be staying in Winnipeg for 4 x $4,000,000. Probably closer to 5 x $5,000,000 if not slightly more.

This is a really good idea and good bet for contract projections.

I do think SJ would be better off even attaching a mid-rounder to Simek's deal if that's what it takes to open up cap space, as well as trade out Labanc, than buying out Vlasic. I think a few more UFA guys would be needed to truly make the team competitive, so maybe have to buy out Vlasic on top of those two moves.

Ugh - 5 years of cap issues will make years 3-5 very hard.

I feel like we've tried to trade Simek already, and Labanc's contract is too much for most teams, so I think they're staying. Also, quite frankly (and sadly), I think Simek is currently more useful than Pickles, and if Labanc is utilized correctly he still has a lot of potential, plus both players' contracts are more than halfway finished.