This exactly. We have zero flexibility and every GM in the league knows that we have to move out salary. Any trades we make will likely have sweeteners on the way out, meaning either more picks or more prospects on the way out of town.
This management team made their decisions with signing JTM and trading the first rounder for Hronek to reduce any flexibility we might have had.
Both these moves make sense for a team that’s on the upswing and ready to compete now. Not for a team with little prospect depth, few draft picks and handcuffed by cap mismanagement.
I don’t think anyone would argue that individually and in a vacuum that these moves are good ones. But much like loading up your credit cards and punting the consequences down the road, there is and will be a huge long term price to pay for the hope of one good season next year. So much for new managements goal for long term sustainable success.
Now I’m just hoping we can win a cup in my lifetime.