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Not getting this resolved shortly would be a mistake.
Sather needs to treat his star players like stars rather than threatening them by reminding them of the position they're in (reminding them of the CBA and making comments like "if he doesn't agree he can sit out and miss the season"). Staal is in another hemisphere from Brandon Dubinsky. Dubinsky is a 2nd/3rd line center. Staal is a top pairing defense man and one of the top shut down defense men in the Eastern Conference. He has not only been our best defense man since the lock out but one of our best players in general. If Staal is asking for $3 - $4 million give it to him.
Sather wouldn't have to threaten his young star talent to minimal contracts if he didn't make the mistake of signing Drury, Redden, and Rozi to ridiculous contracts.
The fans in NY are not the only ones who see Staal as a top pairing shut down defense man in the NHL. Other GM's have seen it too. And while Dubinsky didn't receive any offers I'd almost guarantee everyone on here that plenty of teams would put out an offer sheet on Staal. So, I don't think Sather really respects the situation he is in. If another team puts in an offer sheet the only way to keep him will be to match it. By the time that happens the Rangers will be forced to pay Staal the $4 million anyhow. In addition to that Staal would probably feel disgruntled that his team wasn't willing to give him the money he is worth and the fact that he had to go through all of this to get the money he deserves.
This is a major mistake by Sather and again I don't think Sather respects the situation he himself is in. Marc Staal isn't Dubinsky. After Lundqvist / Gaborik he is our best player and by a large margin.
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