I think using Toews as a comparable is fair, but I don't think Kopitar should get $10 million per year.
I don't think any player should get $10 million per year.
Does anyone else feel like the contracts of star players are getting completely out of control? I know all these crazy numbers are allowed under the cap and all the other reasons it's happening, but these 8, 10, 12, 14 million per year contracts just seem to be causing so many problems in the league.
Like was mentioned, there are vets being squeezed out of the league. Teams either need a constant inflow of young players or total plugs to fill out the lower lines. The huge contracts seem to be dragging up the contracts of mid-range players so that we get guys like Mason Raymond sitting in the press box half the time for over $3 million. Also mentioned was the lack of player movement. Teams have to dismantle and re-imagine themselves every off season. I'm sure other people could add lots to this list.
I'm fully cognizant of the fact that the genie is almost certainly not going back in the bottle at this point. I just really think the league would be a lot better off if the top level contracts were capped around $7-8 million per year and the league minimum salary was bumped way up with the same overall team cap. Spread that wealth around a bit.
Goodness knows it would be better for the average player in the long run. Just don't try to tell that to the PA. They seem to have every grinder in the league convinced that they, too, can be Sidney Crosby and join the 8 digit club.
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