I think the quality of defenseman and team defense of the CBJ is quite downplayed when it comes to the idea of Bob being a "multiple Vezina winner". He's a good goalie, and he can be VERY good at times. I've (We've) also seen enough "bad" out of him at very "bad" times, that I question his composure. It might not be as pronounced as when, say, Mason is "rattled" or "not feeling it", until its too late and 3 goals have gone past him in the last 4 minutes or he's looking around frantically wondering how a slow tipped puck trickled in short side with 1:30 left, but there are still definite question marks.
He's been very valuable to the "success" of the team recently. $7-8 million cap hit worth, I really don't know. What I do know is, the way the team has been built, the skill and quality that has been acquired (both O and D), and the subsequent current cap situation the team is in, I do not think his worth to the CBJ is in line with what he should, could, or will get paid on his next contract.
My main 2 factors in feeling this way are, 1st, that Panarin was just brought in to be "the guy". I absolutely expect the team to be willing and planning on paying him $7/8+ mil a yr for a while going forward. My other main factor is Korpisalo. I am VERY BIG on him. I hate that people are so big on guys when they are hot, then low on them when they are cold. Like Bob (and many other goalies) Korpisalo clearly seems to excel when given playing time to establish a rhythm.
At the moment, Bob probably is better overall and gives the team a better chance to win. The question is, going forward is it worth signing Bob to a big contract (that WILL have a big effect on the CBJ cap "structure") or go forward with a very capable young guy in Korisalo, that has proven he can "win games" in this league, along with the 5-7+ million in cap money for the next near future?
I know my answer, and it might be the only real "realistic" option at acquiring and affording that REAL 1C in Tavares or Barkov.