Quote:
Originally Posted by GranteedEV
One thing about this kind of deal is, it might encourage teams to let their RFAs become free agents sooner rather than the traditional "buy UFA years". Like let Johnny be a free agent after age 25. That way if we have to sign him to a similar extension as Kopitar, we're getting his 26-34 years on that deal instead of 29-37
|
If the bridge contract wasn't dead before it is completely going to be dead moving forward.
Likely better off to sign a core piece for 8 years at 21/22. and that buys you his prime seasons but you have more flexibility to cut bait once he hits his 30s.
Opposed to signing him to a 3 or 4 year bridge, which means that next big 8 year contract is going to take him into his mid 30s.
From a asset perspective trading a good player going to UFA at 30, is likely going to garner more return then a guy who you may be selling off at 33 or 34.
It's funny to think that the Kings likely wish they went longer than 7 years when they signed him to that contract as a 21 year old off his ELC.