Going to take $6M for probably ~6 years and he's about to turn 32 and he's a non-playoff player.
That one would be a tough sell.
And Vanek was going to sign for 7 years and $50m right? But then he didn't.
I think there's a trend towards shorter contracts for players on the wrong side of 30. They don't want to be stuck for the rest of their careers on a dud team and teams aren't as generous with massive contracts for players on the down side.
Obviously if he want $6m+ for 5+ years you pass. But if it's closer to $4m for 3-4 years?
Backes is not Stamkos...but he's a 20+ goal scorer and should be for the next few years. He also drives possession, unlike Vanek. And he plays defense, unlike Vanek. And he's a big physical player, unline Vanek. And he wins faceoffs. Essentially, he's a good fit for the team.
This allows you to keep Granlund as a small skilled winger as well. If you can make a move of Dumba, Brodin, or Scandella for another skilled young forward, that's a smart play.
I kind of want to keep Zucker just because I think he'll be good expansion draft bait for Vegas. He'd be too tempting to get a more talented player off the roster. And he has no trade value right now.
