Sorry to disappoint.
So let's be more succinct. I'm really interested to know the benefits of developing Bowey as a left defenseman.
What do players and their agents gain by being anything but candid with their demands?
What are the intangible leadership qualities Orpik provides that none of the other defensive vets and coaches can that make having him at 3LD better than having Schmidt at 2LD with zero cost difference?
If they are so bereft of LD's and need one, then why wouldn't they try him there? Orlov did it as well (has switched sides).
Agents and players do NOT come out with their final offers, right up front. At least, most don't. So until you see the actual interest from other teams (or in this case, other leagues), you won't know what's bravado versus realism. And again, they only botched ONE contract situation. So to sit and say they did nothing for a year and 6 weeks and were totally unprepared is your hyperbole to fit your anti management stance. It's not pragmatic, it's dramatic. But that's your choice.
Gee, you want me to answer what a veterans leadership qualities are? I've never been one, so I can't say. I'm sure you can state how little it is, and how little it helps? We've had Orlov (amd Schmidt?) blossom over the last year plus, under a coach who isn't good w youth (allegedly). So the team says Orpik has a lot to do with it, but of course that's just them slanting to try and look good (another piece of your hyperbole to fit your narrative). It's not actually happening.
And lastly....you send out Orpik at 50% retained, that 2.75m is gone for good. You can't make a better deal later, or perhaps trade him with no rentention later this year, or next summer. All assuming you can even sign Schmidt for 2.75m multi year. Maybe he signs for that...maybe he doesn't. And that dead 2.75m is a problem next summer. No matter what. No other options. All easy to say.
I'm sure you will spin all of this in a contrarian manner, that's what you do. Have at it.
