Make the deal.

For 2012-13 Quick's cap hit is 1.8 while Stepan's is .875k...don't you have plenty of time to make other moves necessary in order to be compliant with the 2013-14 season? Get the deal done, then worry about the rest accordingly. This is actually a very bad move from the other GM, salary cap league or not, its disgustingly one-sided.

I'd start shopping Brodeur and Pavelec hard, as your goaltending duo is set with Quick/Rask. Target a cheaper 3rd goalie option in any trade for Brodeur and or Pavelec. Worst case scenario you drop Brodeur outright. Who are some available 3rd goalie options on the free agent list in your league?

Cervenka and Stafford are the other two players I'd start shopping heavily...significant cap savings there. In reference to Derek Stepan's up coming new deal, I wouldn't think Stepan gets a higher cap hit than Cervenka's current cap hit, and Stepan should easily be considered the better player for now and in the future. Essentially you're replacing Brodeur with Quick, and Cervenka with Stepan, and losing Crawford and MacDonald which are no biggies. Some possible other minor tinkering here and there. I see no reason you'd have to get rid of Joe Thornton or Dmitry Kulikov, nor would I, before trying to make moves happen with the other players I mentioned.

Monumental upgrades for your fantasy squad, any way you slice it.

__________________
Stamkos was asked today in Tampa how he can top last season:
"Well, get into the playoffs. That's the big key and that's our goal here."

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