I woudn't say he wasn't bringing much, I think he brought a lot to the team that they are going to miss. Worth 3mil, probably not, and hard to define since so much of what he did wasn't about stats and score-sheet but equilibrium and being dependable. Faceoffs, defense, spacing, defense, fore/back checking, defense, PK, blocked shots, defense...
yeah but his play dropped off steeply. He looked like a guy just skating around, going through the motions all season and even worse, didn't have another gear in the playoffs. He was paid for his effort and tenacity, physical workload and defense and with that gone he is addition by subtraction from the ice, ...now 3 million get the **** out.
I obviously soured harshly on him, and I doubt that analysis is universal or even much shared regarding his play, but most agree he didn't play up to his contract.
I don't want to blame just Kruger, and I'm hella happy he got paid even though its best now to go somewhere else. The coaches did a shit job of fucking up his role, to the point that we didn't have a 4th line we could trust to take precious minutes to assist the aging stars, but also fucked up the third line and handcuffed Hossa.
So they fucked up two lines with their use of Kruger, leaving me no option but happy to see him go and force them to find other solutions.
We are neglectfully thin at center now. I guess its Kero and Smaltz.
Saad-Toews-Panik
Hayden/Debricat/Forslin-AA-Kane
Hartman-Smaltz-Sharp
Hino/Debricat/Desjardins-Kero-Forslin/Bondra/TooToo/Jurco
Bench- TooToo/Jurco/Desjardins
I'm telling you right now that Bondra will be hard to hold off the 4th line for the tootoo's and jurco's of the world. He is so versatile and brings size/strength, plus offensive skill. He has been consistent at every level and is the most likley to succeed making the jump. Still young, still makes bonehead penalties. Could be more physical and go to net more, but the package is more complete than these guys that do one thing.
Kane may have to carry someone, I'm for sure worried about the third line, and I am resigned to the 4th being shit.
Glad to hear Gus will get a competitive chance.