For those suggesting Marner, the cap gymnastics on that would be insane.
Bouch would have to take the lower end on the price range we are expecting (or do a bridge deal, which would be a mistake)
All of Arvidsson, Henrique and Kane would have to go (Kane has to go regardless).
Emberson would have to take 1.5 or less (I have a feeling he will move on in a trade or OS, and be replaced with a 1m dman)
This would also mean no goaltender upgrade. Unless we somehow convince a team to take Nurse and he agrees to it, but even then, you're going to want to use at least half his salary in free agency on a replacement.
I think our D is set next year. My priority is a goaltender, and some toughness (Frederick +). We'll have McDavid, Drai, RNH, Hyman and Arvidsson to carry the pace up front. Give guys like Savoie, Podkolzin, Tomasek and Hutson opportunities to truly grow as secondary scorers.
I also wouldn't be surprised to see O'Rielly on the team the season after. He's become my most untouchable prospect. I think he will become the dream 3C behind MDrai