they are really fortunate with a couple of lotteries to get young, cheap superstars, they have way too much money tied up in aging or declining players — and for the long term.

Karlsson (30 but declining and injury prone), Burns (35) and Vlasic (33) tie up $26.5 million, which is one-third of salary cap (and it's likely a flat cap for the near future), until 2024-25. Karlsson by himself eats up $11.5 million (14.1% of the cap) until 2026-27.

Martin Jones is owed $5.75 per year through 2023-24, and at some point, I imagine they are going to have to buy him out (I can't see anybody who will take a goalie who has become that bad for that cap number).

Kane is only 29 and produces still, but he also ties up $7 million until 2024-25, and 31-year-old Couture is under contract for another $8 million through 2026-27.

So between six players, all but one of whom is over 30, they have $47.25 million (58% of the cap) owed through 2023-24 and between five players, there's $41.5 million through 2024-25 (51% of the cap).

I just don't see how they can build any depth.