[raybec 4]

Originally Posted by Wisconsin_Chief

People aren't going to want to hear this, but a huge part of the reason they committed long term to Tranquill is because of what you just posted. Every move this team makes has both a short and a long term purpose. Drue took a very reasonable deal to stay, and that's why he's still here.

As you mentioned, the drop off when he was in there for Bolton wasn't that extreme. I think they want Nick back in a big way, but I just can't see them giving him $18 million a year, either. There's just no way, there are too many guys to pay and this team has proven time and again that, unless you're one of the Big 3, they will let you walk if you won't play under their terms.

I would absolutely hate to see him go, but all the talk about him and Reid being the keys to the D just makes me think of all the times Spags said the same things about Hitchens and Honey Badger. They still had no problem letting those guys walk. It's going to be all about the money, and whether or not there is enough. I hope there is, but I'm not counting on it.

There's almost zero chance Bolton signs an extension before testing the market. They aren't going to offer him Roquan Smith money so he will want to take his talents to the open market and see what his options are.