This question can only be properly answered within the context of who else signs and what they bring.
What Stajan does bring is dependability and consistency
If you have a fringe AHLer like Hathaway whose enthusiasm and effectiveness has worn off and is now mainly invisible, you have room for someone that can play a solid game and contribute in their role.
(No offense to Hathaway, it is a tough job I am sure needing to play over your head night in and night out, but that’s what separates a NHLer from an AHLer. To make it even tougher, once you gut out a whole year and get paid, you have to try and keep it up, or your contract becomes an albatross. Poor Bouma. )
Stajan is on the wrong side of 30 but this year and presumably for one more can be dressed every night.
If you had him on a line with guys like Lazar (who was pretty bad for a while but looks to have turned a corner) and say a guy like Paul Byron, you have a line with some defensive acumen and also good speed.
Although if Shore can do this, it may just be time to turn the page.
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