pretty vast generalization considering only 5 guys currently have an $8M+ cap hit (E. Staal, Malkin, Crosby, Getzlaf)

Boston was somewhat of an anamoly I'd argue. besides, define "character team" aside from some vague old-media narrative
- S Kaspar Rollins

Again you assumed that I was only talking about players making $8 mil and plus.

MY definition of a "Character team" is a group of players who believe in themselves, in the logo on their sweater, and in the value of every individual player on their team. Don't know if this classifies as a vague old media narrative, but as a business owner, I have personally seen the destructive nature of individuals that are overpaid. It takes an incredible discipline and humbleness for an individual to understand that his success is directly correlated to the trust, respect and performance of others. Understand that I am talking about a team sport, and yes! I also understand what market value is. But market value is established by the same fools that locked out players this year because of the toxic agreements they had in the old CBA. Trust me when I say that they will find themselves back in the same situation by the time this new CBA expires. I don't know if you get to see games from the East but a perfect example of a Character team is the Sens. They have lost the three most valuable elements of their team and they still continue to perform as a tight, well structured team. The leafs have also demonstrated that same quality this year, so have the Habs.
So back to my original post, do I believe that they overpaid, yes! Is one player worth 1/8 of a team cap on a 20 plus player team, No! Will he care if he never wins a cup, sure, will he care if his team never wins a cup, probably not!

That my friend is just my opinion...