I really do see a fit between the Wings and Lehner. Lehner wants a long term contract and a chance to be a starter. The Wings look like a good match, although Yzerman might want to go after someone a bit younger as he is 28. Having said that, if Lehner wants around 7 or more million on his next contract, then i would be hesitant to sign him. I am one of those people that is against giving out a ton of money to goalies.
Lehner and Markstrom both remind me a lot of Dubynk and Bishop, in terms of they have found a way to settle their massive frames and get a little better at rebounds, something that plagued them earlier. I still don't really believe big time in them, they aren't top 5 guys for me talent wise in part because of their athletic ability. But it is hard to argue with the numbers they put out. You see them picked on in games because they are just blockers of the puck that rely on positioning. I am of the belief to win the Cup you will need to be more because truly elite teams score on those guys because of the talent they have, but we will see.
I am not against giving Lehner or Markstrom money, given where we are. I get the crowd that wants a cheap netminder, if you pay one you need to find a cheap backup so after next year a Bernier style salary is a no go, but I am not against solidifying yourself with a top half the league goalie. They can help your team and really the watch-ability of your team a great deal to be honest, it is still the most important position on the ice.
I would like to give that position around 8 million dollars in terms of your tandem. If you're going to get Vezina trophy winning goaltending than it can go up slightly. That or if you draft a guy that becomes a top guy and you get to lock in his prime you can spend more. But that is honestly how I look at the position.
