Also, are we really going to start to pretend that Toews was always overrated and we didn't really like or need him anyway?
I am not going to, and I will tell you the reason.
I KNOW that he is replaceable, for cheaper. Even if he is awarded $3 mil/per (low, IMO). I believe that both Greene and Dobson (even Aho) can effectively replace him. For cheaper.
Greene is better defensively and Toews is better offensively, although overall, I would say it's a wash. Greene's age is troublesome for sure, but we (all teams) have to think of value. Greene's experience and cool under pressure is a definite bonus for the team.
Dobson, while young and inexperienced, could potentially be better than Toews, overall. And as possibly as soon as this year. His calm under pressure was impressive. Not only that, his decision making/head for the game, was better than Toews', IMO. The ONLY thing that Toews was superior at, was skating.
So, even if Greene and Dobson were used alternately, i feel like this is a win overall.
It was my opinion that our D was a bit too soft in our own end, and IMO, that was one of Toews' weaknesses. I am all for Greene replacing Toews, and even looking for a gritty, younger, 3LD, in the mold of a Mayfield. We only need so many 'offensive minded D'. Two is ideal, if you ask me, and we already have Pulock, Leddy and Dobson.
In short, I am going to miss Toews, but I know that we can live, AND thrive, without him.