Quoting: jslongo
You are literally giving a worse player(Bjugs) for a better one tho?
Bjugstad was injured this year, but otherwise produces more offense from the 3rd line than Staal from the 2nd, and is more physical. Staal is better at faceoffs and defensively. "worse player" is arguable.
But biggest of all, this isn't video game hockey, this is reality. One year at $4M is much better than three years at $6M. The $6M hit hurts next year, kills the following year, and is extinction level the last year. (small exaggeration, but its for effect)
Jordan Staal today is not the Jordan Staal of 2010. The last two seasons Staal scored at a 13g 38pt rate, from the top two lines. His 5v5 ice time will get slashed if he went to Pittsburgh. You are looking at $6M for a potentially sub-30 point, defensive, non-physical faceoff specialist. $6M, for 3 years. That Tanev offense, without the physicality, similar defense... and Pens fans were upset with Tanev's $3.5M. $6M. $6M for three more years.
Teddy Blueger is almost doing what Staal would bring, and he is doing it for $750,000. $6M for three more years.