Certainly Ottawa and most teams don't have the cap for Mantha

Doesn't have to be Ottawa. Just suggesting a lineup without him on the team because he isn't a good fit. I forgot Ottawa still pays almost 3.5 million in buyouts.

The trouble in a cap strapped league, trading a middling player with a semi high cap is virtually impossible without similar cap being returned. The other team would much better off signing a UFA(s) for just as good value as you just did with your UFA signings.
Now a lousy team with cap might take Mantha off your hands, but don't expect anything in return, might even to add a sweetener as so many teams want to dump cap to cap available teams.

I almost included Lindgren in a hypothetical Mantha trade because he looks to be starter material and has a very team friendly contract.

Have to let Sheary, Kubel and Irwin walk. Can't get Lav a chance to play them over kids. I'd take Gus back at that much but he'll get more money elsewhere.

I wonder if there were negotiations with Sheary that didn't work out before they re-signed Milano. I'd value a 2X Cup Champion with 72 games of playoff experience over a guy with 4 games and 0 career playoff points even if there is a 4 year age difference

I'd still take Milano. Love Sheary but he also hasn't produced that well in the playoffs. We need youth on this team.

I'm not sure Lavs is coming back anyway. I think they will move on with a Spencer Carbery or other young hopeful.

Sheary conversations supposedly already failed in the offseason so I think Milano was the insurance move. I don't really see a world right now where he doesn't price himself out of DC.

Also I think those Gus and TvR contracts are low, especially for Gus.

It's a 50% raise over his current salary, 29 points in 52 games looks good but all 7 of his goals came in a span of 11 games. Even with increased ice time and PP opportunity since Carlson went down he hasn't produced as well. He and TVR are 3rd pairing defenseman and shouldn't make more than 1.2 million.

I agree that both of them probably shouldn't make more than about that much but I think it's wishful thinking to believe either would take that sum. with other 3rd pair defenseman like Ian Cole getting larger contracts, and even Jensen having been paid 2.5 when he was a 3rd pair guy at the time, I doubt either will be under 2 mil. I think lowest they'd go is around 2.5 for Gustafsson and around 1.8 for Van Riemsdyk.