and the 3 yr deal can be a problem- Look at the Leafs and Marleau. Not against using Free agency but at the right time and on the right player. I would prefer either a trade for a younger established player or a younger free agent. Not much interesting in this years free agent crop other than reinhart who if he ever went UFA would have lots of offers. 2025 crop looking better now but most will resign with their team before then (marner, Draisatel, Rantannen, Ehlers, konecny, bennet, verhage.
For me, the older UFA on a short term deal you sign when you are already a contender as a final piece to be a cup contender. maybe summer 2025. That Crosby guy might want to play for his favorite team as a kid. I hear he wants 8.7M or maybe 870K nothing in between