We still hold his NHL rights until 2021 or something like that I think?
While it sucks he won't be here next year, it may be a blessing anyways:
(1) he could be on Team Russia next February - valuable experience
(2) opens up a spot for say Juolevi or however the fcuk you spell it
(3) opens up a spot for Subban if (2) is not ready yet
(4) comes back for 2018/19 season a better player and allows us to offload Hutton (I think he is overrated)
Win / Win
Did Jim's dog die?