What we really need is a Peter Stastny, not a Paul. I don't see the sense in locking up more cap in a non-elite talent down the middle, it will only make it even harder to get that player.
Unless Bozak/Kadri is traded and we need another #2 calibre centreman, of course...then it could make some sense as a replacement.
I'm on the fence when it comes to a stastny acquisition, but where I see the logic is that once you're done kicking all the tires on the 15-20 centres in the league better than him, if you're not getting a Spezza or a Staal, then we have a choice. Lean on Bozak + Kadri and a 2.5-4 million dollar centre acquisition for the 3rd line, or spend a few million more on Stastny to at least upgrade the position. He would immediately become our best matchup option against opposition top lines (which frankly, gets Kessel the **** away from having to play defence against 1st lines...which is good). He's good enough to drive a line on his own with adequate wingers and puts us in a better position to shelter Kadri's matchups and see if a kids like Leivo, Ashton, etc who have AHL offensive pedigree, can put up points off of some of Naz's tasty dishes.
Without getting into some crazier scenarios, here's sort of what that could look like
Lupul (5.25) - Bozak (4.2) - Kessel (8.0)
JVR (4.25) - Stastny (6.0) - Clarkson (5.25)
D'Amigo (.85) - Kadri (2.9) - C.Stewart (4.15)
Ashton (.85) - Holland (1.2) - Whoever
Whoever
Phaneuf (7.0) - Pitkanen/Zidlicky (4.5)
Gunnar (3.15) - Gardiner (2.0)
Ranger (1.5) - Rielly (.89)
Granberg (.8)
Bernier (2.9)
Greiss (1.75)
Total damage = ~ 68.5 million