Ferland is on LTIR. Vancouver isn’t trading picks to get rid of his contract

I think Kuemper will cost more money and term.

While Minnesota, Detroit, and quite likely Chicago are no longer in the market for goaltenders, there are still a few teams on the hunt. With Fleury and Husso no longer available, Kuemper and Campbell are the last legitimate starters left among the UFAs. Dubas cleared cap space yesterday and he still has a few days to negotiate with Campbell before July 13 and the opening of free agency. I think $6M x 6 might be closer to reality, but I would not be surprised if it gets worse than that.

Yeah I agree, I truly hope it doesn't get that bad, but jeez... A goalie with 57 NHL games gets $4.75M... That's crazy, inflation is high right now for goalies

Holland's next few days are going to be fascinating.

Will Duncan Keith retire?
Will Mike Smith retire?
Will Tyson Barrie be traded?
Add the uncertainty with Evander Kane and Jesse Puljujarvi, and this makes for a very entertaining week or so.

Tbh I would much rather sign Giroux and keep JP than EK and trading JP. If they trade JP they are only going to get the same player in return. I'm on the fence about him currently

I understand that position, and wonder whether there are even better options than Giroux.

Holland might roll the dice on someone like Mason Marchment. He's a 27-year-old 6'4", 209 Lbs LW who is tough and willing to mix it up. Last season he managed 18 goals, 47 points, and a +29, as a middle six forward playing under a near league minimum contract for the Panthers. On paper, he looks like he might be a late bloomer who could explode playing with Edmonton's top guns. The eye test suggests he'd bring similar elements compared to Evander Kane, albeit with discernably less offensive potential.

Its also possible Kane might have to accept another discounted 1-year deal. Given the delays in resolution of his grievance. If the arbitrator finds in favor of the Sharks, he could be a high-value asset available in a market that has no money. In that case, he is likely going to seek a short term contract and try to cash in next summer. Edmonton was a great fit for him, and if nobody can afford to pay him the big dollars this year, it makes sense that he might be willing to do a full season, on the cheap, next to McDavid.