At the time these deals were made Kreider’s was a lot more controversial. Given the circumstances (you described them) and terms of contracts I absolutely don’t feel like giving Gorton hard time.
I couldn’t agree more. Trouba got paid but he was a big catch at the time. His first year in blue didn’t live up to the contract and hype but he can definitely still be 90% of what we thought he would when we signed him, even if slightly overpaid. We need to get him with a solid complimentary partner as soon as possible (hopefully next year). Kreider is Kreider. Great guy, homegrown, valuable in many ways but a touch overpaid and doesn’t truly fit the timeline. The length is definitely questionable but, again, such is life. No one knew we’d win the #1 pick or get saddled with a flat salary cap. I have no qualms.