Perron isn't signing for that little, and Palat probably isn't either. If he is, it's a luxury we can't afford with the Kyrou/Thomas/Tarasenko/O'Reilly contracts coming up. Give some of his money to Perron, elevate Barbashev or Neighbours to the top nine and then get a steadier shutdown 4C instead.

I thought Perron would take a hometown discount or something, and Palat is 31, he can only ask for so much money

I think Perron ultimately will take a cut if he stays but it'll probably still be in the range of his current contract (I would say 3.5-4.5 million on a threeish year deal- using Eric Staal's last contract as a rough proxy). Perron's up there but he still scored 25+ goals this season and the longer they wait and the closer he is to FA the less likely it is he won't test the market and someone will pay him decent money.

As for Palat, maybe he will take that little, he did produce less this year than I thought he did but either way I'd rather play Barbashev in the top 9 if both are on the roster and keep the cap space open for those extensions that are coming. The team might be a little less powerful offensively but they're still pretty powerful up front and you gotta balance the now with the future.

Sure, let's try and correct a few things

This Armchair GM has a sick name lol

Thanks

Perron will sign for 1 year then get a 35+ deal from STL. I’d rather let Barbashev go and give Neighbours and Bolduc a spot instead of seeing Blackwell signed.

Blues need a good defensive minded forward, and I don't see Perron signing a 1 year deal. You sure you want to let go of Barbashev?

I’d resign Bozak and Perron to 1 year deals. Trade Barbashev to Washington for Iorio and a pick. Bring up Neighbours and Bolduc. Torp and Bozak will build chemistry and Bozak can center Neighbours and Torp which will help develop them as young players. Put Bolduc with Schenn and another winger for the same effect. I don’t think it’s smart to log jam bottom 6 when we could use young cheap guys who will learn from the experienced core already there.

K, but I don't think you're getting Iorio from Washington, Caps fans say he could be ready next year and might be a stud

Just a suggestion, looking for a similar return to Lehkonen. Bode Wilde and a pick from the Isles would fit the bill too, I just thought the fit in Washington made more sense as the trade partner