Quote:
Originally Posted by burnitdown
I have no issues giving up a 1st and a 3rd for him. What really worries me is the high QO offer we'll need to give him once this contract expires. True - we don't HAVE to qualify him...but then he'd be an UFA and we lose him in just 1.5 years (as well as our draft picks).
Why would he sign for a much more reasonable amount (around $4-$5M per year) just because he likes it here? He's already proven that he's all about the money and is willing to hold out to get as much as possible. In 1.5 years, he holds all the power as he knows he can either accept the QO at a ridiculous amount or become a UFA and cash in (just not to the degree of +$6.5M) since he'll be one of the most desirable free agents on the market.
As for if he refuses to sign, you'll have to trade him before next year's trade deadline if you want any sort of return. No one will give up much to get his rights and overpay him...especially if they know Calgary won't match.
The only way this works out is if he performs well enough that he's worth close to $6.5M in 2 years time so we can simply qualify him (or work out a long-term deal on similar terms that he'd be willing to accept).
|
The $6.5 million is also a poison pill so the Av's wont match. If anybody has read anything about this situation its pretty clear he did not want to go back after the Av's cut off comunication.
He will be a RFA in 2 years. Don't be surprised if the flames already have got a deal in place for July 1st extension. My guess he gets a $5 million a year deal for 4-5.