This is the issue that is so frustrating. I thought Benn was a fine 6th/7th D-man. But paying such a player $2M makes no sense. Especially one that is in his 30s and on the decline rather than the up swing and when there are cheaper, basically equivalent, options inside and outside the organization.
So, I understand why Benning gets these players (whether I agree or not, I understand). He is in job preservation mode. It's not his money and a guy like Benn arguably could lead to more wins in the very short term than a player that is still developing. But why does the owner allow this to happen? Isn't it obvious, without even looking hard. He gave a 32 year old defenseman a >80% raise and an NTC. His signing bonus was almost as much as his previous years' salary. And, I repeat, he was 32 years old going into the first year of the contract. I honestly can't figure out why Aquilini would buy into this. Any owner should be calling a GM on the carpet if they make this deal. It is literally throwing money away.
And I don't meant to be disrespectful to Benn at all. He is a legitimate depth D-man in the NHL and I have mad respect for any player able to make it to that level.