That is a ton of money up front for Slafkovsky.
Rolling the dice. Have 4 years into this contract to decide whether to buy him out if he doesn't perform at 1/3. Quick check, he's getting front loaded as you said. Salary for the final 4 years when the buyout is 1/3 is only $6 mill. Thus dead cap of $2.6 mill for 4 years then down to $1 mill for the final 4. Have to make up that $1.6 mill per that they front load him in years 1-4 of the deal. Can see the lower risk for Slaf. Getting basically an AAV of $9.2 mill for the first 4 seasons then $6 mill for the final 4.
They are following the Ott lead. Suzuki and Caulfield both got the max term coming off elc. Think both signed early as well.
It's a smart move for the smaller markets to tie up their guys coming out of elc. But, as Ott has shown, that's step 1. As you need to build the rest of the roster and if you don't do it right, time flies fast. Chabot is 4 years into his max deal, then everyone is a year less into it from Tkachuck, Norris, Stutzle, and Sanderson starts his this upcoming season.
Habs, Suzuki is through 2 years and Caulfield 1 year of their max term deal. Slaf won't begin his until 25/26 season. But, they still need a goaltender long term and need to figure out which of their young D will be part of their blueline moving forward. So, still lots to do.