Sobotka didn't wish to leave. He would've stayed if he got Berglund's salary. And we wouldn't have wasted another $2,600,000 on Ott.
Sorry, but that's ********. Sobotka signed with the KHL before he even was heard by the arbitrator. He must have known his salary demands were unreasonable relative to his comparables, or he'd have waited to see the arbitration result since it could have supported his case. To say he didn't wish to leave, when its pretty clear he threw a temper tantrum and left is pretty revisionist.
You can't even come up with a logical thread to support Sobotka's choice, when he professes he wants to play in the NHL, since he'll still be tied to that same one-year contract (even if he's traded) whenever he does return. If that's true, then what does he gain in the KHL this season?
I like Porter, but he does not have the versatility of Ott. Ask opponents which player they fear more: Ott or Porter. Porter doesn't scare anyone. Ott will hit you, he'll win crucial draws, and he can do a serviceable job plugged into any slot in the line-up. Sobotka could have been that guy, but he left. Ott is doing what he's paid for, and when not needed elsewhere he plays a 4th line role WITHOUT WHINING ABOUT IT.
I'm not sure why Berglund is getting shat on so much around here lately. I'm sure it will only get worse since he's not Paul Stastny, but will fill in at center until Paul gets back. But his line (with Backes) has done a great job with puck possession against the oppositions top lines. They're a very effective shut-down line. I want to see more offense, like we did when Steen was there, but the sample size is too small to draw exaggerated conclusions about how they'll do in that department.
