Get Out of Jail Free

Go to jail.

Go directly to jail. Do not pass go. Do not collect $200.

It's everyone's favourite game, Monopoly! For some reason, it has been hammered into our brains that this game is fun since we were kids. I mean, what isn't fun about buying and selling properties, going to jail, and stealing from the bank. If you were lucky, you might have been able to experience the patented board flip when somebody lost their shit that they landed on Illinois Avenue with a hotel on it just after the spent their wad beefing up Mediterranean and Baltic.

And with every known thing in the universe having its own version of Monopoly, I present to you the Compliance Buyout Edition:

ANH - Ryan Johansen ( 2 years left, 7 million AAV)
With 64.6 million in salary commited to next season and Patrice Bergeron still to be re-signed (last season salary 7.1 million), it only leaves them about 10 million in cap space to fill out the rest of their roster, RyJo looks like the obvious choice here.
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ARI - Jordan Eberle ( 3 years left, 5.5 million AAV)
The 'Yotes have only 56 million counting next season, but have a slew of free agents set to leave. Even still, they should be able to fill out the roster without needing to use a buyout. But, if someone were to leave, it might be Eberle (12-23-35 last year)
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BOS - Jeff Carter ( 1  year left, 5.5 million AAV)
With J.T. Compher and Dylan Strome needing RFA deals and Kevin Hayes likely to re-signed, the Bruins aren't goiing to have a lot of wiggle room. Jack Hughes (2.7m) and Eeli Tolvanen (2.125m) are also knocking on the door. To clear some space, the Bruins might elect to buy out Jeff Carter's last year
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BUF - Mikael Granlund ( 3 years left, 5.25 million AAV)
With Matt Barzal due a substantial raise on his looming contract and Chris Kreider expected to be re-up, the Sabres should still have about 10 million to play with. Graves still needs a new deal too, but for the sake of this exercise we'll say Mikael Granlund
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CGY - T.J. Oshie ( 2 years left, 6 million AAV)
Anders Lee and Josh Morrissey each need new deals, but otherwise Calgary looks in pretty good shape with no real ugly contracts. You'd be hard pressed to find someone to pick, and with only one less goal scored than Matthews (28) and Marchand (28) last season, T.J. Oshie is our "gun to the head" choice here 
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CAR - Jeff Skinner ( 6 years left, 8.5 million AAV)
The "Canes have cap space, but will need to fill out the roster with some FA's leaving this off-season. However, with 6 years left at nearly 9 million dollars per season, Jeff Skinner and his nine goals (944k per goal) might be lookiing at new scenery next year.
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CHI - Marc-Edouard Vlasic ( 3 years left, 7.25 million AAV)
He might bring leadership in the locker room, but Vlasic might not be able to keep up with the pace of game at an effective level anymore. And at 7.25m over the next 3 years owed to him, Chicago might decide that money might be best used somewhere else.
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COL - Jonathan Quick ( 2 years left, 5 million AAV)
With only 8 players from last seasons main roster currently under contract, the Avs' have some work to do. The good news is they have about 30 million to play with. Is Vitik Vanecek ready to take the reins as the new number 1 in Denver? If so, maybe Quick comes off the books.
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CBJ - Niklas Hjalmarsson ( 1 year left, 4.1 million AAV)
The Blue Jackets have a few notable contracts to deal with, Chandler Stephenson and Brock Nelson among them. And RFA backup goalie Elvis Merzilikins put up some great numbers behind Fleury so he'll be looking for a bump in pay as well. This is going to put Columbus right up against the cap so to get a bit of breathing space, perhaps they part ways Hjalmarsson.
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DAL - Jack Eichel ( 6 years left, 10 million AAV)
Jared Spurgeon needs to be re-signed, likely putting Dallas about 14 million under with RFAs Alex DeBrincat and Jesper Bratt among others to still renegotiate as well. Even with Jack Eichel (6y/10m), Ryan Nugent-Hopkins (6y/8.25m), William Nylander (6y/8m) and Nikita Kucherov (4y/7.5m) on the books, the Stars don't really find themselves with a burdening contract to free themselves from. 
However doubtful, if only because of injury concern we'll throw Eichel's name out there.
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DET - Keith Yandle ( 2 years left, 6.35 million AAV)
The Red Wings are flying high when it comes to any issues about cap restraints. But should they choose to use their buyout, perhaps 33 year old Keith Yandle and his two remaining years at 6.35m get looked at.
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EDM - Mathieu Perrault ( 3 years left, 3 million AAV)
Edmonton's second leading scorer last year and also thier highest paid, Evander Kane's $35million owed over the next 5 years likely needs to stay on the books to meet the salary cap floor! With nearly half of their cap space available, a buyout looks everything but necessary. Mikko Koivu might have been worth looking at, but his retirement negates that need. While still serviceable, they might decide to clear the $9million they owe Mathieu Perrault over the next 3 years.
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FLA - Mark Giordano ( 1 year left, 4.5million AAV)
Does 'Big Z' come back for another season? Even if he does, he won't break the bank. Which would be the only good news when it comes to the Panthers cap issues. They've got a smidge over 10million in cap space and it will be interesting to see what PLD gets on his next contract. Will he sign an offer sheet? Florida might not have the ability to match it. Getting Gio's last year off the ledger might be enough.
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LA - Ryan McDonagh ( 5 years left, 6.75 million AAV)
Matt Murray isn't going to be in a Kings uniform next season, so that's one less contract to worry about, but even with Brock Boeser and Sam Girard needing new deals there shouldn't be any issues with regards to the cap. If there's an internal decision that they need to save money, Ryan McDonagh might get looked at.
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MIN - Henrik Lundqvist ( 1 year left, 7 million AAV)
Back up the Brinks trucks! The Wild have two(!) 22 year old stud defensemen on their roster. It just so happens they're both RFAs at the exact same time. And something tells us a bridge deal isn't going to cut it for either of them. Toss in the fact that Brady Tkachuk needs a new contract next year and things aren't looking any easier. Can Karlsson refind his game to justify the $16million owed over the next two years? Shea Weber still has game but he's 34 and has another 3 years left at $8mil per. Crosby isn't going anywhere.
Minnesota faces a tough decision here, but if they want to take a shot at winning the championship next year, they might opt for a quick cash injection by way of ridding themselves of the $7million they owe Henrik Lundqvist next year. 
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MTL - P.K. Subban ( 4 years left, 8.5 million AAV)
With no heir apparent in sight for the number one goaltending spot in Montreal, as unlikely as it might be it looks like Cory Schneider and his $6million salary are in the crease again next season. Is P.K. Subban worth $34million over the next four seasons? Time will tell.
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NSH - Travis Hamonic ( 2 years left, 4.6 million AAV)
Some major leg work to be done by the Preds' this offseason. Roope Hintz, Anthony Cirelli, Kevin Fiala, Kasperi Kapanen AND Thomas Chabot are all RFA and all looking to cash in on their next contracts. With roughly $26million in cap space available, it's anticipated that they'll all be back in Smashville to start the season. But they may want to give themselves a bit of breathing room by saying goodbye to Travis Hamonic.
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NJ - Brent Burns ( 3 years, 8.5m AAV) Ryan Getzlaf ( 3 years, 8.2m AAV)
A bit of roster turnover on the near horizon for the Devils. They'll only bring back one of Patric Hornqvist, Jacob Markstrom, Eric Staal, Ben Chiarot, and Dylan DeMelo if any, plus Devon Toews is set to sign his last contract as an RFA. Ryan Getzlaf and Brent Burns best years are behind them, so New Jersey might look to move on from one of them.
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NYI - Micheal Ferland ( 2 years left, 4.2 million AAV)
The Islanders have money to burn. And with 8 UFAs, they'll need some of that money to fill out their roster for next season. A buyout doesn't seem in the cards, but with concussion issues still a concern, Micheal Ferland might see his time on the island come to an end. 
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NYR - Kevin Shattenkirk ( 1 year left, 6 million AAV)
New York doesn't have too many notable UFA or RFA to sign, so with just over $10million in cap space for next year, they should be alright. The core players are just starting to come out of their prime but they should have servicable hockey in them for another few years. Fortunately for the Rangers, there isn't much to choose from when looking at shedding a bad contract, so we'll pick Kevin Shattenkirk just because we can.
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OTT - Loui Eriksson ( 3 years left, 1.9 million AAV)
One would safely assume that Geno will be back in the nation's capital next season. And even if he costs them the same $9million he earned on his last contract, the Sens will still have about $30million in cap room to plug the holes in their roster. Loui Eriksson is stiil in the NHL?! $1.9million or not, let's do Ottawa a favour and pull the trigger. 
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PHI - Derek Stepan ( 4 years left, 6.5 million AAV)
The Flyers have a few RFAs to deal with, but nothing of major significance that should affect their cap maneuverability. Derek Stepan is still a viable bottom 6 center, but maybe Philadelphia can find a better way to use the nearly $7million they're paying him over the next 4 years. 
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PIT - Brent Seabrook ( 2 years left, 4.75 million AAV)
A couple of options here. Brent Seabrook likely won't ever play in the league again, and it remains to be seen if Oscar Klefblom will either. Let's go with Seabrook. 
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SJ - Oliver Ekman-Larsson ( 6 years left, 8.25 million AAV)
With multiple UFAs aging out of their system, the Sharks find themselves with approximately $23million to configure the roster. They might want a do-over on the OEL contract.
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STL - Joe Thornton ( 1 year left, 4 million AAV)
They might be the Blues but they've got some green. With just over half of their cap space utilised, St. Louis will be looking to make it rain. Buying out 'Bob', he of two Vezinas and $8.5milliion a year contract, seems doubtful despite his decline in play this year, so sorry 'Big Joe' but you gotta go. 
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TBL - Corey Perry ( 1 year left, 8.4 million AAV)
If there was ever a NHL cliche, it's this one: hate playing against them, love having them on your team. You know the characters. Corey Perry might be the picture that shows up if you typed it in the Google search bar. Ten years ago you wouldn't have minded paying him nearly $9million a year. Now?
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TOR - Zach Parise ( 2 years left, 8 million AAV)
Hard to imagine buying out the heart and soul of your team. Even more so when he lead your team in scoring. Just like Sam Cooke wrote, a change is gonna come in Toronto.
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VAN - Jonathan Toews ( 2 years left, 10.35 million AAV)
Can you recall a time a team went into its offseason with only one major UFA to sign? Well, the 'Flying Skate' that team! Which is good seeing as how they only have about $8million to play with. Mrazek shouldn't break the bank, but they might want more leeway. Jonathan Toews is a mystery at this point. We don't know what his status his. If the 'Nucks know more than we do, maybe they decide to pull the plug.
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VGK - Shayne Gostisbehere ( 4 years left, 5.5 million AAV)
The Knights don't seem to be in too much strife, even with Blake Wheeler, Dougie Hamilton and Jaden Schwartz taking up nearly a quarter of the payroll. Not expected to lose any significant players in FA, Vegas has just over $25million to get creative. Should they decide to make a splash and need a bit more financial flexibility, the declining stats of 'Ghost' might be enough to see him a victim of a buyout
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WSH - James Neal ( 1 year left, 6.5 million AAV)
The Capitals might have been the most overachieving team last season, riding on the back of "Lemieux" season for Gustav Nyquist (33-33-66). Finishing T-4 in league standings, expectations in Washington will be high. "If it ain't broke, don't fix" seems apt to describe this squad, but if they absolutely had to make a move James Neal could be a casualty.
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WPG - Barret Hayton ( 2 years left, 2.8 million AAV)
The 'True North' have some true questions about their future. With one of the best two way players in the game signed for the next two seasons in Brayden Point and Elias Lindholm expected to be back, the Jets have a formidable 1-2 punch down the middle. But they need to decide what to do with Nico Hischier and where to spend money in the lineup moving forward. They don't possess a "bad" contract, so let's just say they do the unfathomable and buy out a 20 year old for the sake of this experiment.