As much as that trade speaks to Drury's mental capacity, it also points out how hard it is to find a quality replacement. We're still trying to replace him. Maybe Smith will finally fill that void, but he also may not be long for this team. Maybe Perreault will be the guy.
If we let Shesty go, which goalies would be viable replacements? Which current starters on other teams would you want? No matter whom we get, the team will be worse for it.
Anyone who is good enough to perform well enough behind a solid D and bottom-6. If Drury re-signs Shesty at an astronomical number, then it is in my opinion that that will hinder roster balance, meaning a not good enough bottom-6. And, no, I don't need to post a solution to the goalie problem. That's for Drury and his team to figure out.
The Blues won the Cup, in large part, because it was such a pain in the ass to play against our bottom-6 that year. Pretty much every Cup team needs adequate skill and grit in the bottom-6 and, unfortunately, Drury and co. hasn't been able to identify the right bottom-6 players.
You see a trend here? I am firmly in the camp that would never sign Shesty to such a huge number because it will cause roster imbalance and more frustrating playoff exits.
That's my two bits......could be wrong......