friedman said the isles aren’t dealing varlamov unless they make a big move and need the cap or if they get an offer they can’t refuse. this doesn’t do either thing. if they’re retaining half it’s for a better package than that.

Only retained because idk if Edmonton can afford his 5M cap

If Varlamov would okay that deal I'm sure Ken Holland would take it in a heartbeat and send Lou Birthday and Christmas cards every year for the foreseeable future.

So if you add the money the isles retain on varlamov and holtby's salary the isles save 750k of cap space to take a major major downgrade in net. No thanks.