For the past 20 years, MLSE has never hesitated to spend money if meant getting wallets to open. However, that was the goal, not winning. That's why it's almost always been PT Barnum-style carny tactics...throw a new marquee name in the headlines and watch the suckers line up to buy new jerseys and scalpers tickets.

It's a well-worn tactic. Basically, see who's had success over the past few years, then go out and track him down, throw a bunch of money at him and then tell the fans to open their wallets 'cause the saviour has arrived.

Leetch, Lindros, Belfour, Francis, Kessel, Clarkson, Giguere, Phaneuf, the list goes on and on and on. Though they didn't sell any jerseys, Wilson, Burke, Carlyle, Shanahan, Lou and Babcock are just more of the same. The cycle will start again shortly with someone like Nylander being traded for someone like Shattenkirk.