Quote:
Originally Posted by dino7c
Sharks are worse than last year IMO...not too worried about it
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Yes. My thoughts exactly.
I see this moreso as a recognition on SJ's part that the runway to get to a Stanley Cup championship has nearly run out. With so much salary tied up in just a handful of players for the next half-decade I think they need to win next year before things begin to look quite bleak. Holding off on paying Lebanc for a year provides an opportunity to ice a championship calibre roster, but probably for the last time in a while with so many of their best players already on their retirement contracts, and nearing the age of athletic diminishment. I think Lebanc senses the pinch and the urgency too.