> It's the difference between being enamored of just stats versus understanding how a hockey team works and what it needs.

Genuinely not sure who you're speaking to. How can you even open with "enamored with stats" when Palat's stats don't stand out and it's clear as day the intangibles he brings. What stat stands out to me though, are his 3 GWGs, a forward that averaged over 20 minutes a game, and incredibly 2-way that allows our stars to pressure the offensive zone in the play-offs. I don't think we would have won the Cup without Palat, but can tell you we would have without Cernak. If you honestly think we can't find another guy like Cernak for $3,000,000 a year then I don't know what to tell you and you must have zero faith in our GM to do so. RHD's get dumped all the time, just like Cernak did. Players like Palat don't. Cernak is likely a product of the team and environment he is asked to work in. You guys love to overrate Cernak because he was the first big and gritty defender we've had in ages and because he is "right-handed".

As Palat ages, sure. But there's not a snowflakes chance in hell any GM in the league would have dropped our best LHW in favor of a so-so RHD.