Vesey over Pitlick...

did that so it wasn't a 4th line of all lefties

My guess is that the plan going forward is to roll with a 21 player roster, so the CAP space to start is in the 1.5M range. This would provide a little flexibility to bring up a player from Hartford in case of a small injury or illness, and would also enable a call up of Othmann or Cuylle in case either is killing it in the AHL. It also results in an accumulation of CAP space (I believe around 3M by TDL) which might put a signing of Kane in play for the later part of the season and playoff run....obviously lots to fall in place for this to happen- but accumulating CAP essentially buys time for this possibility, or other TDL options.

If Motte can replace one of the low cost options they already have signed, all the while maintaining the CAP space- then great add. Otherwise, only way is to move Goodrow- which isn't happening.