If he continues to be a top 20 center in scoring as he's been the past four months...most teams would consider $3.5M as being a bargain. In talking with the Islanders' director of player development Eric Cairns a couple of weeks ago, he regrets having lost Desharnais few years ago, and thinks he's developed into a pretty decent NHLer. He likes Cammaratta..and compared him to DD...which he thinks would make him a helluva pick in the long run.
Some teams aren't going to be crazy about DD given his size, but if he fizzles in the playoffs and Bergy shops him at draft time I'm sure there'd be some teams interested in a player who was a top 20 center in points over the last 2/3 of the season.
I think Chuck needs to be a top two center next season..time to get some size/skill up the middle, regardless of what DD does in the playoffs.
If it's DD and Chucky as the top two next season..fine. It's time for Pleks to be the third line center. Eller? Either fourth line center or a switch to wing...I think he should be given a shot in the top-six on the wing next season. I'd give Bournival a full shot as fourth line center..have him mentor under Plekanec for the third-line center role.