Quote:
Originally Posted by Strange Brew
Is there really any evidence the players agents are asking for gigantic contracts? Or are the Flames low balling them?
We just don't know. What has come out through the press has all seemed rather bland.
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I have no more evidence then anyone here does. But all one has to do is look at the numbers of big 'overpaid' contracts that are handed out each summer to realise that the agents are likely demanding top dollar. That's their job. Some GMs give in. Some don't. I get the impression ours won't. And that's a good thing.
I can visualise Treliving pointing at cap friendly hits for Barkov and Mackinnon as comparables. And I can also visualise the agents pointing to Gaudreau and Monahan as being comparable to Toews and Kane since media and fans like to label them as the next 'big duo'. Wouldn't surprise me if the agents are seeking something in that ballpark. Realistically a number a in the middle is (hopefully) what gets signed.
I don't really see the Flames lowballing them. We've had our share of overpaid contracts over the years and we've also had some real fair value contracts (Iggy, Gio, etc). I don't see the Flames ownership low balling any players they deem fair market value.
But I can definitely see the agents trying to high ball (is that a word?) and get the Flames to overpay. That's what they do. Agents don't care about building cup winners. They care about their individual clients getting maximum pay so that they in turn get maximum commission.
Again I have no proof, this is just my opinion. For all we know it could be one of the small items in the contract like public appearances or charity work that is holding things up. Maybe both players hate visiting sick kids at the hospital
Quote:
Originally Posted by polak
Really? Because if those two players leave, Treliving basically has to restart the rebuild. They're in almost total control of this. Not every player is going to take a discount. If they can't fit them into their plans then expect short term deals.
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I don't know what you're trying to say, as I never said anything about either player departing. No one is in total 'control' of the situation. The Flames if anything have a bit more control as both players are RFA. But at the end of the day it takes 2 to tango.
Not every player will take a discount, you're right. But it's our GMs job to at least try and get one. My opinion is that is exactly what BT is trying to get the agents to agree to. The more players taking a discount, the team has a better chance of building a winner.