- He is the best UFA goalie available and a 4th is nothing and actually great considering what Darling got.
- A long term contract is risky but it also has a good chance of paying off and if it does it solves the position for them for a good while.
- Going young (Grubauer, etc) is certainly an option but it also carries significant risk. Its cheaper in terms of cap but carries the risk of the acquisition being unable to maintain a starter's role. That and it will certainly cost more than a 4th.
- Waiting for and trading for Fleury will cost more than a 4th and he comes with an inconsistent playoff record. Bishop has played less but has a stellar postseason record. You know this guy can perform there if you get there and other options come with question marks in that department.
I am not crazy about it because I am scared of signing any goalie to $$$/term after this two headed goalie monster monstrosity, but its clearly one of the better options available and the cheapest in terms of asset cost. Would have personally preferred Fleury just because he is signed for less time and less risky as a result.
As far as Lehtonen/Neimi are concerned, all indications are Neimi will be bought out and Lehtonen retained for one more year. Mike Heika (Stars beat writer) seems to think so and he has a good read on what is going on. You can take his "speculation" at this time of year as him rewording things he has heard from the organization. Usually.
Apparently the Stars think they can "fix" Lehtonen. I don't buy it, but he can certainly be a serviceable backup. Looking at the Stars cap situation and available UFA talent, there is not a pressing need to buy out both. Buying out Lehtonen, for example, leaves you with a buyout hit of around $2.5 this year and $1.7 next year. Add in the cost of a good backup at around 1-1.5 and you are still paying around 3.5-4 for a backup next season. Better to ride that one out.
