The Flames can't afford to pay Russell what he wants. It's not only the cost, but the term is scary for a player like Russell as well. Blocking more shots than any other NHLer has got to take a toll on your body.
I think Russell is a great #4-5 however. He's too small to take the opposition off of the puck, but he'd sooner break a bone than allow that puck to go into a high quality scoring area.
Anything over 3.5 is an over payment and there will be better players that can fill that role in FA, trade or hopefully through the system.
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