I guess the perception of it being younger is where we disagree. Instead of seeing how Lack progresses, I have to watch Ryan ****ing Miller. Our major scoring addition was 33-year old Vrbata. Okay, yes, we have Linden Vey. Maybe Horvat makes the team, that would be cool. But otherwise? the roster construction makes me want to vomit.
Miller and Vrbata didn't cost anything except cap space. If it weren't filled by them it would have been taken up by someone comparable (e.g., Iginla). Signing FAs doesn't matter except in direct comparison with other FAs (who's the best bang for the buck of those available) or if they are taking positions from youngsters
that are ready. We will have that debate in pre-season. Willie is on record that a "tie will go to the rookie." We shall see. Last year it was plain as day that neither Shinkaruk or Horvat were ready.
The Benning moves, presumably following ownership mandate of competing for playoffs every year, were made with an eye for present (23-27 age bracket) and future (extra picks). A process which really already started with Gillis, though he was forced into it.
Notables: IN -- OUT
Horvat (18) -- Schneider (27)
Bonion (26) -- Kesler (30)
Sbisa (24) -- Garrison (29)
Vey (23) -- Santorelli (28)
McCann (18)
By any measure the team is getting or trying to get younger. If it doesn't happen it will be because our drafting blows, not because of want of effort.
Don't much care for age of goalies. Totally different animal. Performance and age is too erratic to worry about. Just try and have a better than average combo, take it year-by-year, and if you're spending too much be sure it's because you have nothing else to spend it on.