I think that it's the Chicago/Los Angeles effect. When the team is close to the cup, GM's will do anything to keep their core together and win a Cup. That includes offering ridiculous contracts (Seabrook, Dustin Brown, etc.) with GM's knowing they will probably be gone when the stuff hits the fan or can rest on their laurels if they did win a cup or two early on. Maybe it's worth it. Would Sabres fan be pissed with one cup and salary cap jail for 10 years?
Now, what Bergevin was thinking, I don't know. The Habs were not close and he gave Price that deal. As you say Wild, hilarious and why does Bergevin still have a job?