I don't buy the love story about why he stayed.
I think it has more to do with $1.45M being a nice figure for a backup goalie and, before 20 games ago, nobody in the world thought he'd be in consideration to be a full-time NHL starter.
Anyway, the cheap price tag could/should play into his trade value for a team that would be foolish enough to take a gamble on him as a starter.
You think he stayed because he had no other option? You're lost in the sauce if you think teams weren't interested in a back up goaltender that still succeeded in his role, going 12-6 the year prior...
This 'love story' you criticize does make sense if you think about it.