1. Kulikov is older than Gudbranson and plays a very different style. Gudbranson is your stay at home, bruising, shutdown D while Kulikov is a two way guy. Comparing these two isn't totally fair and stating that he's the future captain does NOT mean he's worth more in a contract than Kulikov. Where does that logic come from? Your best player does not have to be your captain.
2. Kulikov, while he's done better, hasn't really done enough to be worthy of even $5 million a year. If he gets that, I won't be too happy at this point because he'd be getting paid for what he might do rather than what he has done.
3. Kulikov should be retained and losing him would be quite foolish unless they can turn that into something big. But we're not exactly sprouting awesome defensemen right now, the defense needs work. If that's what it takes, it sucks, but fine. He may not be the best but even his talent level doesn't grow on trees.
4. Gilbert's asking price is irrelevant. At least 1/3 of his season was atrocious. He has improved, yes, but he is very replaceable. Tell me we can't find someone better to pair with Campbell, please. It's not that hard.
5. Anyone who's had to play with Jovo, those minutes do not count against them at all.
