Maybe it was but it wasn't as bad as you make it out to be. Was it questioned? Of course and rightfully so. But most conceded they understood the reasoning for it.
If only Vrbata didn't completely suck ass year 2 and only list teams that didn't want him with his NTC.
As for Miller he came this way to stay closer with his wife and no team out this way was willing to pay anything for him or didn't really need him altogether. LA had/has Quick, SJ was a cup contender already, Arizona was a bottom feeder and Anaheim still had faith in their combo. I understand why Miller stuck around the full deal.
I wish Vrbata was never given a NTC though if it was the sticking point I would have passed on him myself.
Not really, some noted his success with the Sedins at the world championship. We all know how it turned out unfortunately. It wasn't as bad as you make it out to be though.
Some questioned about making that big of a splash at that stage of the rebuild. Some said it's a good fit with the Sedins. At the end of the day it was a big gamble that didn't pay off.
Although a $1-2mil reclamation project wouldn't be terrible as long as it is a 1 year term only and if he brings a unique skill set. Havent looked that deep in this FA pool just yet to see if that type of player is available.
He doesn't have enough leverage to get Term AND big money imo, one or the other is more realistic.
Edit: My mistake thought you meant Marky not Bobrovsky
In fairness to Jake shoulder injuries really mess with your crash and bang game especially when you have more than 1 of them. And he was never truly a PWF to begin with he was just naturally bigger than other players in Junior.
4 games was ridiculous it was an interference penalty at best. And if that was a 4 game suspension, Boychuk should have got a few games for the Raymond play.
I repeat I had no issue with either play, but if the Rome hit was a 4 game suspension then so is Boychuk’s imo. The reality is both should have been 2 minutes at best...