the argument I am trying to make is that this team in it's current decline cannot sign players like Zubrus (age/skill) and expect to be a contender. I can't put it any simpler. Had possibly the oldest team last year already. 35+ contracts have been and will continue to be for this team. The fewer they have the better.
We had the oldest team in the league last year because our goaltenders are a combined 81 years old. No other team is close, and that skews the average big time. Zubrus doesn't play like the typical 35+ player - far from it. Also, he's not here to put up huge point totals, his job is much simpler, and he can still do it very well.
Let me ask you a simple question, do you actually think bringing back Clarkson, Elias and Zubrus to this team next year makes them a playoff team? Look at this team as a whole and tell me if you think this team can even contend for a playoff spot.
Let me ask how far you think we go without those guys? How about this roster:
Henrique - Zajac - Kovy
Poni - Loktionov - Bernier
Tedenby - Josefson - Matteau
Carter - Gionta - Pesonen
Does that look like a team that's going places? I don't know how familiar you are with our minor league system, but the only young forwards we've got to replace the vets are Tedenby, Josefson, Matteau and Pesonen. That's it. Who are you going to replace the vets with?