We have an abundance of young talented two-way centers but just because you have plenty of something that does not automatically mean that they you are set for the next couple of years and that there are no urgent needs. For instance they are still lacking a responsible bottom 6 center who can win a fair share of defensive faceoffs and be trusted in critical minutes.
And they need Veteran guidance, older players who can absorb some of the adversity and lead by example. They have already lost Pronger, then Jagr, Timonen will be gone shortly and if Briere is bought out they will have to sign an adequate replacement - not necesarily in terms of production but as a role model and such characters are not exactly easy to find. I understand that Briere is definitely overpaid for what he puts on the scoresheet but unless Homer puts them in cap hell again, you don't buy him out right now...maybe next season when Simmonds, Voracek, Read are a year older and ready to take on a leadership role themselves.