Quote:
Originally Posted by FlamesAddiction
For it to be simply the cost of doing business, there would have to be a significant sample size of players with similar contracts, but there really isn't - at least not enough to say that it represents the norm. The Gomez contract was similar, but we saw how that turned out. LeCavalier might be the only other one, given his age, that really compares (and not too many people are happy with that one either).
We are talking about a 32 year old player that signed for that amount. Sure, other #1 centres like Staal, Stamkos, Crosby and Malkin who signed similar contracts that took them beyond free agency, but they also have youth on their side.
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We're also talking about one of the very few #1 centers to reach free agency. They simply don't get there (usually), and it's because they're so rare. So anytime one does hit the market like Richards (or like Gomez was perceived to be), there's a ridiculous bidding war.
It's the price you have to pay if you can't develop and then sign young high end centers.