I don't think anyone expected Kotkaniemi & Domi to be so successful at C to start the year. I think that quickly made Bergevin do a re-think on how to use Pleks & DLR. We also had Byron & Shaw return early from injuries that forced our hand into waiving some of our depth.
Whenever we sign UFA's like Chaput, Agostino, Ouellet, Plekanec, Peca and add NHL ready players (without sending anyone out from our NHL roster) via trade like Kulak & Armia it becomes pretty obvious that someone has to go when we're at full strength. Ultimately, Sherbak & DLR lost out in a competitive environment and we replaced them with guys our coaches feel make us stronger.