But here is the thing, Stralman wins the stats argument AND the eye test to anyone who paid attention while watching (in other words, doesn't drink and impare themselves while watching).
Over the last three seasons Stralman has been the most consistent defenseman behind McDonagh and Girardi. Not Staal. Stralman. The stats, the injury history, and the "eye test" confirm.
We are arguing over what is going to be a few hundred thousand dollars and a couple of extra years to keep the better player at this point in time. But because Staal was a former 1st round pick of the Rangers and used to fill the spot McDonagh currently fills, shrouds people from the truth, which is he hasn't been the same since the mutiple head injuries. His feet and his hands don't keep up enough to warrant the 6+ million per year on a long-term contract he will demand.
Stralman is currently and by all indications will continue to be moving forward, the better player, and he will be paid less than Staal starting next summer.
Furthermore, the cap will likely rise again next summer and a contract like 4.5 x 6 for Stralman will be a bargain.
Who is replacing Stralman? McIlrath (eventually)? Another slow-footed defender to pair with overpaid and slow-footed Staal? That pair would look like pylons against teams with average speed.
