Wait why would we pay 4 million for a bottom pairing defender though. Wouldn't that money be much better spent if you got a cheap option for a million on the back end and then spent that money on an actually decent 3C or other forward?

Especially considering Harmon wants to play on the west coast and could be had for 1-2 year 1.5-1.65 mil

I fully agree. Hamonic or Rutta would be ideal. I'm just flabbergasted that DW hasn't signed either of yet and is content with his dcorps and having 3 massive holes in the roster (6d, 3rd line center, 3rd line right-winger).

I'm going to go full conspiracy theory: I refuse to believe DW -- the GM of this NHL team -- is this big an idiot. He's fully aware. I think DW is trying to have as "meh" a team as possible and is making a statement to Burns, Vlasic, Jones, and potentially even Kane to have them waive their NTCs/NMCs since he wants to rebuild and their contracts are in the way of it. At worst they continue to not waive and the rebuild begins with higher draft picks and probably along the way taking on a bad contract for a sweetener and/or selling off UFAs for picks at the deadline. That's why Thornton left. He knows it too, DW either told him in words but regardless told Jumbo through his actions of not going after anybody and doing anything this offseason.

I agree with this thinking, too. DW is predictable. He tried this 6 years ago with Thornton & Marleau to try and get them to waive their trade protections that he had given out.

I disagree with you guys, first Connor Sheary is being linked to the sharks now and that’s a 3C, so Doug is looking. I feel he (Doug Wilson) is being patient and playing the waiting game knowing that there will be a few desperate players later in FA who should have gotten good contracts but missed out and now will take min to get another chance to prove themselves and get a better deal next offseason. Plus he is closer to our prospects and their development and maybe he sees a few who look ready to step up!