Man, this took a long time :)

Forwards

Neal (2005/02, $6.0 x 5 UFA) - Giroux (2006/01, $3.75 x 2 RFA) - Callahan (2004/04, $4.275 x 2 UFA)

Ryan (2005/01, $5.1 x 3 UFA) - Nugent-Hopkins (2011/01, $3.775 x 2 RFA) - Seguin (2010/01, $3.55 x 1 RFA)

Hansen (2004/09, $1.35 x 2, UFA) - Sutter (2007/01, $2.07 x 2 RFA) - Clutterbuck (2006/03, $1.4 x 1 RFA)

Goc (2001/01, $1.7 x 2 UFA) - Nielsen (2002/03, $2.75 x 4 UFA) - Clifford (2009/02, $870K x 1 RFA)

Extras: McCormick (2001/05, $1.2 x 2 UFA) - Boulton (1994/09, $663K x 1 UFA)

Defence

Keith (2002/02, $5.54 x 11, UFA) - Burns (2003/01, $5.76 x 5 UFA)

Giordano (undrafted, $4.02 x 4, UFA) - Robidas (1995/07, $3.3 x 2, UFA)

Gunnarsson (2007/07, $1.325 x 1 RFA) - Bogosian (2008/01, $2.5 x 1 RFA)

Ellis (2009/01, $1.44 x 2 RFA)

Goalies

Howard (2003/02, $2.25 x 1 UFA)

Holtby (2008/04, $640K x 1 RFA)

2012-13 Payroll: $59,987,500 Cap Space: $79,595 (Link to CapGeek)

The rundown:

• Forwards - I've taken the Burke+Carlyle approach: top six, bottom six. First line is proven, in their prime, and battle tested. Second line oozes youth, speed, and skill. With some shelter from the first line, they should be dynamite. Third line is all heart. Crash and bang, plus some offensive upside (particularly Sutter). Fourth line is reliable and can be used in any situation, particularly the PK (thinking of Neilsen here). Extras are just that -- extras. Nothing more.
• Defence - First pair in their prime and locked up long term at reasonable cap hit. Second pair provides veteran support with decent offensive capabilities. Third pair expected to crack top four in the short/medium term. Ellis is the power play wild card.
• Goalie - Howard gets the call as the proven veteran. But I expect Holtby to give him run for his money given this year's playoff showcase.

--AllanBester

(Edited 2012-05-11: Swapped McCormick for Hendricks)