I don't have a problem with this. Long term Russell could be a good piece to fill out a lineup for several years. Fact is, we don't have many defense prospects who are close to playing up to Russell's current level. Seeing Wideman regress, and knowing that Smid and Engelland are no better than 6/7 d-men going forward, there will be a serious gap after next season. All 3 are done after next year, and I would be surprised to see any of them re-signed. Besides which, none of them are good enough for the 2nd pairing. I would say that Russell is at least a decent #4 d-man and is still young enough that he will be able to contribute at that level for several years.
Consider that our d-prospects mostly project to being bottom pair d-men. Kylington and Andersson project higher, but are a long way from the NHL. We need someone who has the capabilities of a 2nd pairing d-man for at least 2 more years, and Russell is a hometown boy who will likely take a slightly lower salary to stay in Alberta. It's not the worst plan ever.
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"You know, that's kinda why I came here, to show that I don't suck that much" ~ Devin Cooley, Professional Goaltender
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