The plan probably was hoping Murray fails his team physical so he can go straight to LTIR, Murray will still get his $8 million.

Sign Sammy. Buyout Murray. Not splitting the atom here.

Sign Sammy to what is the big question. And even after signing him + buying out Murray, it still leaves us very close to (and possibly over depending on Sammy) the cap. A lot of people think we have to trade Brodie to clear cap. And I'm starting to see people trade Willy not just because of the extension talks, but because they think we can't afford to keep him THIS season. I do think it's going to end up being a bit more complicated than what you have suggested. There's a good chance we'll have to run a 19 man roster for a good part of the season. If there's any significant roster player that will be moved, my bet is Jarnkrok.

Tree Loving and Sammy will meet around the middle of each other's ARB numbers. They'll have to ice a 20 man roster which isn't ideal but it's a big advantage having the Marlies literally right there.