Yup, it is what it is.
Rogers wasn't just making a 'baseball' decision as they're about to close on the purchase of Bell's interest in MLSE and are quite likely to pursue an IPO or sale for all or part of their sports interests in order to reduce hangover debt from their Shaw acquisition a few years back. On their last quarterly call, they made clear they're "advancing their plan to surface value from their sports assets" and already talking to potential investors.
I'm sure they saw Vlad contract as important in this moment in time to protect the short-term image and value of the club. Whether we like it or not, he's the most marketable face/personality on the team to the mainstream fans.
All that said, I agree with you guys, he was overpaid.