even then, they could sign Moser for 3m, call up Lilleberg and still have 880k left to spend
And have an overall worse team moving ahead. JBB is focused on far more than just one additional season. Perhaps if this team had just one or two years left of contention, he would've overpaid Stamkos. As it is, they should have at least 3 or 4 contending years left with good management.
They also have a fair number of F and D prospects that could start contributing as soon as this year, and definitely next. JBB corrected a couple of bad contracts, improved the depth in the bottom 6, re-balanved the defense, added the top ufa F to reach the market, and added picks and a high quality prospect. There is also still the possibility that through ufa or trade, an additional middle 6 F could be added.
JBB decided to do a re-tool rather than watch the same re-run for the 3rd time. Maybe it works better, maybe not, but status quo was not working out. Taking emotional attachment out of it, he did what was likely necessary for the overall betterment of the team moving forward. He's always having to play a tricky game of keeping the team as good and competitive now and down the line. Some difficult moves had to be made more than likely at some point.
It's unfortunate that Stamkos is gone, but JBB is very much an analytics/numbers guy, and he offered him.what he felt was in the best interests of the team. Stamkos had a much higher number, and despite different attempts at contract structures and value, they were.too far apart. I don't blame Stamkos for taking the.bag this time, and I don't blame JBB for not overpaying him for.hks age 35-39 seasons. I wish Stamkos all the best in Nashville, except when they play Tampa, but I believe that at the price range he was likely asking for, letting him walk is best for the mid to.long term success of the franchise with this core. Time to look.ahead for me, and dwelling on Stamkos isn't effective.