Were you in the "gotta give to get" camp re: trading Barzal for Duchene? Dobson for Stone or Duchene at TDL (even though they apparently wanted to be in LV and Nash long-term)?
I see where you are coming from, but it is a Catch 22 situation. As a mental health professional I'm sure you understand that Lehner's affliction was going to manifest itself one way or another so I am not sure that his public admission makes much difference. In fact, based on his performance and behavior, he had one foot out of the NHL door already when Lou took the chance, a fact you seem to be forgetting. At the same time he appears to have cleaned up his life and he should be judged on his performance. Still, it's only a one year sample size and you can't blame an employer for taking that into account, plus, I am sure you are aware of the recidivism rates. Anyway, it's a tough situation but to call it "awful" is to see things outside of the realm of reality. There are no villains here, we all wish RL the very best and a long, productive and healthy career, the opportunity for which is still very much in his hands.
I absolutely credit Snow for his good draft picks and other moves. Barzal, Pulock, Pelech, Toews, etc.. I was probably more of a Snow defender than hater for most of the years he was GM. But the "ownership" excuse only goes so far and it became apparent after a while that he was too concerned with preserving his job/status versus doing the best for the team (eg., the coaches he hired - and not just head coaches).
And then they give a 4 year deal for the same $ per season to a guy who is older, not as good and with a significant injury history. The odds Varlamov's groin goes are every bit as big as Lehner having a relapse. Also something people aren't pointing out: if Varlamov gets off to a rocky start fans are going to turn on him bad and it could get real ugly.
5 mil for a back up goalie is....yeesh. And we don't even know what kinda contract Sorokin (if he ever comes over) will want
