Realistic offseason

Miller wont be protected by Buffalo for the expansion draft. Has shown in the past an ability to be a legit top 4 option, but has regressed in Buffalo. In this deal Buffalo sheds a 3 .875 million dollar cap hit but acquires Roussel's 3 million dollar cap hit for a net difference of 875k. Buffalo also gets Bowey who Seattle might take select in expansion and a 5th round pick

expansion

Tampa is going to be in a tricky situation this offseason. They are going to need to shed some cap and this trade would be a way to get almost 5.2 mil off the books. They are probably going to lose McDonagh to Seattle which would leave a hole on left D. Olli Juolevi could probably step into Tampa's 3rd pair in a sheltered role and do fine. Tampa also receives the 40th pick in this draft.

Schmidt reportedly wants out of Vancouver and I think there is a potential deal to be had here with Florida post expansion draft. As it currently stands, I think Florida is going to lose Gustav Forsling to Seattle. This creates a big whole on their left side of D. Nutivaara found himself as a scratch at times this season and i cant help but wonder if Florida would want to move off his 2.7 mil dollar cap hit. Florida reportedly had interest in Schmidt last offseason, and for good reason. If the panthers were to acquire Schmidt i think he could really have a bounce back season with the cats and be a nice fit in their top 4. If this deal were to happen, Florida would essentially get Schmidt for 40% retained next season due to Nutivaara's 2.7 being moved. This would leave Floridas blue line next season to be Schmidt-Weegar
Yandle-Ekblad
Kiersted-Gudas