[Hugh Jahrmes]

I can't see Gio taking any deal with a sub-6.0 AAV, and to me it borders on disrespectful to expect him to.
The more i think about it, the more I can see him getting his 8 year retirement contract. Likely shakes down to 3 choices, in order of likelihood imo
1) 7-8 year deal in the 6.75AAV range. IIRC the first year of Brodie's contract this season has a nod to Gio's status in the form of a 3.9M'ish salary. I can see Gio's contract being in the 10M range for the first 2 seasons then tailing off quickly. This would also have Hamilton's salary surpass him around the time his play likely does as well.
10
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5

Arguably here (despite what many people here think.. I swear he becomes older and crappier every day), this contract probably undervalues Gio in years 4-6.. That's the sacrifice he makes to ensure BT is able to build a bulletproof lineup around him, imo. This also hopefully imposes a "Lidstrom" cap on the team for the majority of the contract; I just can't see Monahan or Gaudreau pushing for a larger cap hit than the captain. Front load their contracts and hire them financial advisors.. They'll be fine.

2) if he really is that concerned with being "back paid", he takes a 2x12m or similar contract, and hopes like hell his play or body don't deteriorate before a reasonable retirement extension kicks in.

3) we trade him for McDavid, Nurse and 3x2nd round picks, or some other stellar package, like Horvat+2x1st from Vancouver. This likely happens only if the delta between what both sides feel is more than fair is too great, and the relationship between the player and team suffers as a result.
70%/28%/2% imo
I also must sleep soon



Edit- with that pic of hudler, I'm wondering what it takes to keep him around for 2-3 years? He likely also wants to cash in long term and settle down here, but I can't see how we come anywhere close to what half of the league likely offers him if he hits the open market