This is interesting. I actually think the Bruins have done a pretty good job of building the proper sized core, one high paid forward, one high paid dman, and a good amount of middle of the pack + value guys. Of course their team needs more talent, but the base is arguable there.

Teams like Toronto are screwed, however making lateral moves with their star players shouldn't be too hard.

Makes players like Stamkos and Reinhart, or maybe even Marchessault, seem less likely to return to their teams.

I have often thought for years that teams need to have a cap hit for players based on their position in the lineup. Say if a player is on a ELC, then you would be getting great value and have extra money to spend on that line. I know lines change but normally not drastically.

Exactly why I did this. As a Habs fan, when you see Gally and Anderson's contracts, you think they should be on the 2nd line producing.. But hell.. Bergevin screwed those amazingly. Everyone knew Gally was a core HABS player, but not at that price knowing his best days were behind him. Should've just given him a 2 year at 7.5M$ and this way you know he'll be there but if doesn't meet expectations, he can be extended for a very low salary or let go knowing you paid him for those last 4 years he gave you everything. They overpaid by 4 years with that 6 year deal.

If you find a GM that can balance his core player and replace those that are 3rd and 4th liners with lower contracts but give you more defensive style plays, then you have more money up front that you can attract actual top 3 players, then top 2 defense, and still get a good goaler. Your second line can be filled with hybrid grit/scorers/defenders.

Of course some players you can move up and down, such has a 1st overall pick like Bedard, his first three years he'll cost you nothing, so if you invest for 3 years in a bigger player, then you might look into paying a top winger and extra million to ensure he comes over, but still the balancing act is not easy for these GMs.

I totally agree!
Anderson is a great player that is getting paid too much. pay him 3 million and everyone loves him!. The problem is, when you have a player who is getting paid to much, it limits your options. You end up with a 3rd line player playing on the top line because you are paying a 3rd line player like a 1st line player.

Imagine signing a free agent and being disappointed because they are getting paid too much to play so low in the lineup. You could hold your scouts accountable