I think youre on to something, that less can be more, BUT

Don;t think SEA takes on that much salary, escpecially in Holtby for just a 2nd.

Schmidt has value but at his cap and production last year, I'd put him below Gostisbehere in value... Dont know many teams that have the cap space for Schmidt, but he has value. A 2nd sounds reasonable, but from whom? (To NJ for a 2nd and 4th?)

JESUS

Schmidt, Holtby and 2nd, has everyone gone mad?

IMO Schmidt has value. Last year was an aberration and I think he is the type of D that teams look for. There were reports that some GM's were shocked at the low price ( a third ) Benning paid to get him. A 2nd is doable, but I doubt if you get more, but you never know. I really doubt Hamilton signs in Vancouver, but the guy marches to his own beat.....

Too much or too little? Would Seattle take just Schmidt to take Holtby?

If Schmidt doesn’t bounce back him and Myers will be a $12 million problem

Schmidt has the skill and sense to bounce back or at the very leas be effective.
Myers is an issue for sure but Hiring Shaw will help this defense.
Holtby isnt an issue.

Just let Seattle take who they want. Vancouver isn't in a position to pay teams to take their problems

Schmidt is guaranteed to bounce back, he was VAN best overall dman in a garbage season, the addition of Brad Shaw should help the entire defense core out.

I agree Shaw will help immensely, but I'm not sure it will be a quick fix. Too many kids and some low hockey IQ players -Myers- on this blue line. IMO Myers is just a 3rd pairing guy with ability to move up if needed. His best hockey was as a 3rd pair in Winnipeg, but he gets exposed with too many minutes. Benning hugely overpaid for him. As a 3M D he has good value but not so much at 6M.

I agree Myers is overpaid, that's what happens during free agency.

Yes.....exactly the reason most GM's (not named Benning) build through the draft. Putting large chunks of your roster together with FA's just doesn't work.