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According to www.Spotrac.com, the Sabres current cap is at $42,766,000 for next season. The league is projecting a cap ceiling of roughly $71.5 million. With the floor at roughly 74% of this year's cap, that will make it around $52.8 million next season. That puts us about $10 million below the floor. That includes: Cody Hodgson- $4 Million Mike Weber- $2 Million Chad Johnson- $1.6 Million Cody McCormick- $1.5 Million I think we keep Hodgson & Weber. But losing Johnson/McCormick puts us at $13 Million under. That's a steep climb. A few positions I see as an easy fit to add depth and salary: Goalie Under Contract: Chad Johnson $1.6m This is a no brainer, and the reason why a player like Niemi might be a Sabre next year. I think TM knows the team needs a big-time goalie to turn things around for this team along with making the job more attractive for a big name coach. Imagine what our record would have been like had we kept Halak instead of letting him go to the Islanders, one of the most improved teams of the year? It's apparent no one is ready on the farm. I think we sign two veterans, one to be the horse and another young up and coming guy that can eventually take over. Niemi and Cam Talbot come to mind. That would also give our younger goalie prospects a year or two to develop so they can battle Talbot for the starting job in a few years. Or a trade can come into play here. Regardless, I see a true #1 netminder with a huge salary between the pipes next season. Right Wing Under Contract: Cody Hodgson: $4.0m Brian Gionta: $4.25m I think this is where the Sabres do the most FA/ trade damage forward-wise, as I don't see Patrick Kaleta being the answer. I see the Sabres adding at least one highly paid RW to the roster, maybe even two unless: 1) They decide to put Girgensons at RW (who is a left shot) 2) Call up Baptiste who'll count $700,000 (is he ready for the NHL?). 3) Dare I say...move Eichel to RW? if they keep Hodgson, I don't see Gionta being top six. That's a lot of cash to spend on a 3rd line guy. Defense Under Contract: Bogosian $5.25m Gorges $3.9m Weber $2.0m Risto $925,000 Zadorov $925,000 Ruhwedel $675,000 Toughest of the 3. Switching Ruhwedel for McCabe is almost a salary trade off. 1) Do you call up McCabe or leave him in minors another year and add a big-money D? 2) Do you move Zadorov as a piece to acquire a stud forward? 3) Do you add big money D and leave Weber and McCabe up? It will either be Weber or McCabe sitting nightly (McCabe would be better off being left in Roch). Bottom line: The combos can be split a few different ways, but bottom line this is going to be a completely different Sabres team heading into October. Not only from a talent standpoint in order to be better, but from a Salary Cap standpoint we don't have any choice. I have a feeling net and right wing will have a much different look, with the Sabres being more active in the trade market and seeking younger players with more talent than whats on the roster, rather than signing older veterans just to eat up salary. On question. Will the younger players acquired via trade carry enough cap muscle to put us over the floor? Should be an interesting summer.