You're suggesting just over 30% retained.
So is that enough?
And part of the problem would be how many teams would want to pay him an actual salary of 5.2M next year even with a cap hit of 4M?
Brown at 4M wouldn't be bad. Also depends on the team. A rebuilding team with lots of high end talent that doesn't need help scoring, that needs a leader? 4M isn't going to look like a bad price once UFA season starts and guys like Ladd/Lucic are looking closer to 6.
-The way the D is looking next year there could be some options. What if Scheen and Greene come back?
7/8 (Doughty can carry anyone)
(6,27)/52
3/2
Would this work? Could move 6 or 27 with Brown....
-UFA/RFA (looking for payday)
7/8
(6,27)/UFA (around 6M)
3/(52,53) (Schenn if cap space, or Gravel otherwise)
Basically selling a cost controlled Martinez/Muzzin to move Brown... instead of retaining 2M on Brown the Kings pick up 2M+ on a Martinez/Muzzin 4M contract for around a 6M.
-Return: would be looking for a cheap 3C (ELC) that can grow with the team. Maybe Muzzin+Brown is enough to get into the 4-8 overall first round. This would take a team that has enough prospects, wants to improve now, has a pick past the 3rd overall, and a player Lombardi liked at the top of the draft. 2 teams that come to mind are EDM/Buff. Buff also has Girgs that may be able to be pried out of there. Don't see either team moving anything else. Maybe a Martinez + Brown could grab a Yak +Reinhart. (Both struggling)
-Wpg/Col have Trouba/Barrie, Right handed RFA's, WPG could use a LHD. If they're looking at paying Trouba 6M they could get Martinez for 4 and then fill another spot on their roster with Brown (2M or so over paid, Kruger just got 3). Similar to what the Kings did with Schenn and VL... get Schenn for cheap for taking VL.
-UFA... if one of 6,27 traded and Probably both 2/52 walk there's enough for say Yandle at 6M. So trade Martinez with Brown somewhere... sign Yandle...
Lots of possibilities out there. Just have to find that Sucker that'll take Brown with someone like Martinez. It would work for the Oilers... really help their D, plus McDavid could get Brown scoring again... maybe...
Edit: I also think Brown getting a change of scenery, not worrying about being the captain, a different system and he'll go back to being the old Brown everyone loved. I could be wrong, but we have seen players look terrible on the Kings go to other teams and do well.