If Matthews hits free agency you can bet your ass he’s going to a big market or to his hometown. No in between.

I hear you, but not really the point. The point is the Wild *could* be in on him with a real offer. Fun story with the cap space in the above is that the Wild could offer him about $3 mil *more* than this if they wanted.

It’s more to show how the cap situation isn’t as dire as people are making it seem, even if it doesn’t include and Auston Matthews.

Definitely will have a little more breathing room in 24-25, but no way Guerin rosters 8 ELCs to regular roles.

I'm all for the youth movement myself, but in all reality, you'll easily have a few million less than what's mocked here. Like it or not, we're gonna see things like extensions to some of [Zucc, Reaves, Foligno, Hartman]. Then you'll get a few plug-a-hole types like the Steel, Bonino or Kulkov's of the league.

No reason the ELCs can't earn the jobs, but Guerin will def sign a handful of insurance veterans just in case.

I’m well aware of that fact. But if, big IF, Matthews expresses interest in playing next to Kaprizov, it would be a mistake not to sign him. We’ve been whining for a 1C forever and getting one in UFA is reason enough to say screw those guys.

I think the question mark ELCs are Yurov and Ohgren but wouldn’t shock me to see one of them on the opening day roster in 24. I also feel good about Lambos and Hunt being in the lineup, albeit not on the same pair.

And regarding Rossi and Beckman, I expect them to be lineup regulars this year. But let me sign Duhaime and Dewar and I think we’re in business. I don’t think this is sooo much of a stretch.

No I know, I wasn't trying to come off as condescending. I know you're in tune with what's realistic vs. hypothetical and I do think it's a fun proposal just to see what it would/could look like. I just know Guerin will have extensions done that tie up money, but no harm in looking at things alternatively.

I do think Ohgren will be ready when he comes over and I also think Peart won't require a ton of time in Iowa once he eventually comes. To me, both of them play very mature, low-mistake games.

Kinda forgot about Peart, lol. But I guess it’s important to not tie up money so we can’t spend it later, the sting of the Goose, Merrill, and Greenway deals is probs pretty fresh. I don’t doubt the team looks into retaining some of those guys (Hartman is the only one I’d prioritize) but there’s no reason to sign them now rather than next summer, or at least until after a big target like Matthews is officially locked up.

And if we don’t have a big name guy to go after, do the thing we did this year with cap space. AKA, if you’ve got time then use it.

Completely agree - don't spend just to spend and any veterans that we do want as insurance can be prioritized last.