I just wanted to mention a thought I just had after watching Chara beat up Martin for a dirty hit on his teammate. Chara makes $800,000 this year. We gave him up/let him go for nothing. Let me ask you this question plain and simply:
If you could wave a magic wand and replace Lauzon or any of the other bottom 6 D with Zdeno Chara on this team, would you do it? I find that question difficult to say "no" to if we are all being honest. Adding Chara to your team for $800k, and replacing what is borderline milk toast on the bottom 6 D with him. Instantly makes your team better, and for basically zero cost. Not to mention, he was already on the team and had chemistry and leadership roles with the group. Just seems like a stupid decision to let him walk for nothing, as this team would clearly be better with him on it than without, and for free basically.
Chara would not accept the role that DS and Cam had laid out to him for this season.
I would assume that role was a 6th dee with sheltered minutes.
He has proved he can still be effective playing on the right team and with the proper dee partner, so good for him.
Would I want him back, no.
I think our dee is just fine and we have enough depth.
Lauzon, in my opinion is someone I would rather have on the ice vs Chara. He is younger, faster and a better player.
Chara is a slight improvement vs Tinordi, who is our 8th/ 9th dee now.
