I have to think both Dry and McDavid get league high on their next 2 deals so 8 years 13.45 for Dry and 13.85 for McDavid on his next deal if not 14

While it's certainly possible, both have spoken about taking less to win so I'm being a bit hopeful- perhaps naively- that they won't push the upper limits like that. To me, taking less in order to win almost requires someone not being the highest paid player in the league even if it may still constitute taking less than they might be able to justify (McDavid could demand 15-16mil and probably still be justified).

I think they both sign matching 13.5 or 14m deals
Which isn't a bad thing! Kinda makes me think of Toews & Kane
Whatever it takes, that's what you do.

I could see that happening. Will be curious to see and I definitely agree with the bolded

Washington will not be trading Dowd for a Late 2nd.

I don't foresee Dowd moving this season, I imagine he stays around until next year, since it seems the Caps are almost punting this year and looking for contention next year.

You'd hope that they'd have learned from the Toews & Kane deals. Neither player went past the 1st round after signing those matching contracts as it broke up the core of their near-dynasty.

Looks good, would expect this team to still be in cup contention at this point.

I would assume Bouchard gets a lower dollar amount, maybe in the 7 Million scope but could see him cracking close to 8.
We'll definitely have to get some mileage off our ELC's, Bourgault would slot in well but curious why you didnt put Petrov on this lineup, I see him as much better than Tullio.
I think that the leaders would also push to have Foegele resigned over a guy like Robinson, they have spoken VERY highly of Foegele and he is only 28 when his contract expires.

Drai may push for a little over Matthews contract, not that I see him as being an egotistical person (he very much isnt) but he may still want that pay bump.

I'm keeping myself cautiously optimistic about Petrov. The junior-to-pro transition is a huge bump for young players. With his skillset, he'll need to have a rookie season along the lines of Bourgault's for me to have high hopes for him. As for Tullio, I think he'll surprise a lot of people and, aside from being 1-year further along in his development, his game is better suited to 4th line duty than Petrov's would be.

I agree about Foegele V Robinson but I worry he'll cost too much. I'm among his biggest supporters so if there's a way to fit him in, I'd be down.