I fail to see how having a $7M+ cap hit for a 39/40 year-old is in the best interest of the team. Sure, Lidstrom, but he was a freak, played no-contact hockey, and, I believe, ever only had one injury. If you notice, Keith also plays very much non-contact hockey, which allows him to play 30 minutes per game, and will likely extend his career. I think Brodie is in the same mold, playing a fluid, non-physical game, which will hopefully allow him to play many minutes for many years. Gio, unfortunately (from this perspective), plays a much tougher game, and has been hurt often, so I really worry about his being able to sustain long-term. I think he is great, but he has one more season until this extension kicks in. Anything that takes him beyond 36 (and that is a stretch only because of leadership qualities) worries me. If he wants the contract to go to retirement (40? 7 years), he has to accept a cap hit around 5. If he wants big money, do what Lidstrom did and keep signing short deals. You are 37 and still in Norris conversation? Great - here is a 1 year deal for $10M! That's the only way this is fair to both sides. Thoughts?
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