So you think keeping KO and Skinner then trading other players will make the team better? Currently would KO (6 Mill cap hit) be in your top 12 forwards based on who is available in Rochester and Buffalo? A GM with those two contracts is handcuffed. You can move players add different ones but you still have those two. More than likely who you add will have to play on a line with one of them. Find a way to package one or both of them and clear cap and an opening on the roster for a better NHL players-even if it includes moving Jack.
Yes, put the best players on the roster, play them and do not base it on contracts. IMHO the Sabre's do not get any better until the heavy contracts get removed no matter who you trade for.