I think his deal was fair after that canada conference year. Personally wish we didn't sign it and we put some more effort to know what we had in Bouch the year before.
I'd also love to keep Barrie if there was no cap, but since Foegele can't be moved without paying, Barrie seems like the obvious choice. Especially because I think his contribution can be replaced by what we have and a cheaper 3rd pair guy. If Subban is looking for a 1M deal to prove himself (fully realize lots of ppl here would hate that, but it's just an example), I probably do that swap in a second. Extra cap space lets you get McLeod signed, and maybe even more in the summer or at the next deadline.
I guess I should make it clear the position I'm trying to argue from. The necessity of freeing up some cap space to improve the team. Trying to identify who is replaceable (for little or no cost), and could be moved without having to give up more assets. Think we're just down to 1 guy. Maybe some would love seeing Pulju moved, but I don't think that's a good idea. I think I'm making it clear i do think Barrie has value at 4.5M, which is why I say this is the summer to try to move him. If he gets dropped down the lineup and loses that 1st PP spot, I think it's hard to move him next year which we may have no choice but to do. Imagine he ends up with a ~15-20 point season because he was stuck on the 3rd pair and lost the PP spot. That's a hard 4.5M player to move. The league already showed him how much respect he gets giving him barely any votes after he lead D in points 2 seasons ago. Take the points away, coupled with some mediocre possession stats. Hard sell.