Chicago signed Brian Campbell to a ridiculous contract that he never lived up to but he still was a big part of their cup winning team. I would much follow that approach. Since we have cap space we should use that asset rather than give up our other assets (picks and prospects). To me this means waiting until the off season to overpay a defensemen to come here.
The key to signing the defensemen will be to structure the contract with large upfront payments so that even though the cap hit is high it becomes a very tradalbe contract in the future for when our cap space becomes limited. Money should not be an issue next off season when aquiring a defensemen we target. Find the guy, over pay him by 1 million a season and structure the contract so that in 3-4 years from now when our cap space becomes tighter he is actually a bargain in terms of Salary.
Our biggest asset that we aren't using right now is cap space. Just say no to giving up picks and prospects. If somone comes along and is offering up a Phaneuf type deal for Stephniak, Jackman, and Camilari you do it but no to trading anyone under 30.
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