lemieuxReturns wrote:let me preface by saying I am obviously no expert.
BUT, I don't see how shero is going to make things work cap wise for this upcoming season. (snip)
There are at least three possible routes, assuming capgeek has its cap hits correct:
1. Trade Niskanen for picks/prospects, sign Bortuzzo and Jeffrey. Gives forwards of 14-87-9, 19-71-18, 36-16-X, 15-46-27, X where D'Agostini and Jeffrey (or maybe somebody who outplays them) are the X's. Defensemen are 7-44, Scuds-58, 47-5/41. Cap space is 1.16 million.
2. Trade Jokinen for picks/prospects or a cheap bottom-6 roster forward. Sign Jeffrey; either let Bortuzzo walk or sign him and try to sneak him through waivers. Forwards are now 14-87-9, 19-71-18, X-16-X, 15-46-27, X with the X's representing D'Agostini, Jeffrey, and an open spot for someone such as Zolnierczyk, MacIntyre or Uher to step up and earn. Defensemen are 7-44, Scuds-58, 47-2, 5. If the extra forward makes about $600k, cap space is about $930k.
3. Don't trade anyone. Re-sign Jeffrey but not Bortuzzo (or try to get Bort through waivers). Bury either Despres or Bennett in WBS to begin the season (no, I don't like this idea either). Working with Bennett buried: forwards are now 14-87-9, 36-71-18, 15-16-X, X-46-27; defensemen are 7-44, Scuds-58, 47-2, 5; if the players in the X's make $500k-$600k the Pens begin the season about $300k under the cap, and figure to clear more space somehow during the season.
I haven't read through this thread thoroughly, so I apologize if this is redundant or if everyone except me is aware of an incorrect figure in capgeek.