My argument is pretty straightforward. He's an average 5-6 guy.
Average 5-6 guys get paid decent salaries as they approach unrestricted free agency. I don't think he's particularly difficult to replace, however, when doing so on the UFA market, it does take some salary commitment.
Other teams acquire such players through different avenues (internal development, draft pick trades). The Flames paid little through player acquisition but did have to commit some money. When your internal player development stinks, then it is costly (money wise) to acquire NHL calibre players, even bottom pairing ones.
|