Quoting: rktkt66
Do you really think that Adams would give Meier $9M with Thompson and Cozens (likely) only at $7M, nevermind that Adams will probably try to get Dahlin extended in the $9M range? I don't think so - which is why, despite all of the obvious reasons regarding talent and skill that adding Meier brings, it will seem too dangerous for Adams IMO - at least, at the deadline. Things may be different once the Sabres have Cozens, Dahlin and Power all locked up.
The Thompson deal is a steal. Cozens, Meier, Dahlin, and Power will all make more than him. You can't take this approach.
There's plenty of cap space for all of them too. The players you risk eventually losing by doing this are guys like Quinn and Peterka. But if you can get at least one of those two on a bridge until Skinner is gone then you're good. Good teams eventually lose middle-six wingers to Cap constraints, that's just the way of the NHL.