A 9 mil cap hit hurts my eyes, especially for someone who will be 33 when that kicks in. I know it was a different time and all, but even Iggy got a lot of flack when he was 33 and had a 7mil cap hit. There are few players in the league today who are worth 7mil+ at that age. Is Gio one of them? Well time will tell when we get to that point. Gio's a late bloomer, and if he was still in his 20's I'd be all for it. But 33 is awfully late to be handing out someone a 9 mil cap hit. Especially with youngsters who need raises and he's a guy who's injured frequently.
Then again, he's the captain and the pulse of the team. A franchise player who probably would have made a difference in the playoffs. A guy who could conceivably contend for the Norris when he's healthy. There are incredibly few Dmen like him in the game today. For that reason alone you keep him. I think Gio knows we have a good thing going with this team. I don't expect a Brodie-like contract. But Ritch Winter (his agent) went to U of C, so maybe Treliving can play on his heart strings and convince him a cup in the future if Gio signs lower!
|