Brodie is the rare type of player I might be comfortable giving a stupid term in exchange for decreased cap hit. He is a cornerstone and I personally don't see his play falling off significantly any time soon. I understand why many would be hesitant to jump to conclusions on the guy now, but I happen to believe he and Giordano will only improve as they play together and could turn into one of the more dynamic blueline duos of the next decade.
I think it would be a steal to sign him to any deal under $5 mil AAV for more than 4 years. I know there are risks involved with long term deals, but I suppose you sometimes need to make a judgment call on the person you're signing. Will the pay day change him as a player? I can't say for sure, but I don't believe so.
With the salary cap likely to only increase in the next decade, what is the likelihood that the Flames would be hindered by signing Brodie to an 10 year contract extension for $45 million, for example? $4.5 mil AAV cap hit until he's 34 years old?... count me in.
Whether Brodie would even consider such an offer is another question entirely, but $45 million guaranteed cash with the opportunity for another UFA contract right after his (theoretical) prime... not the worst thing that could happen to a guy.
As for Backlund... for now I'd prefer to continue signing Mikael to short-term deals, preferably in the 1-2 (max 3) year range. I like him, and I hope he sticks around, but I still have a hard time projecting his eventual progression as a player, and for whatever reason (complete speculation on my part) I think he's the type that will actually benefit from needing to continually prove himself to warrant getting a raise on that next contract. He's also a player I'd be very comfortable rewarding handsomely if/when he ever progresses to the point where he becomes that cornerstone center the organization feels they need to lock up. I certainly don't think he's there yet, but I do believe that potential still exists.
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