Quote:
Originally Posted by Fire of the Phoenix
Like McDavid's situation, I feel it's all about how successful the team is. If the Flames become a contender over the next 2-3 years, I think getting Gaudreau re-signed after a bridge won't be a problem. If we are still wallowing in mediocrity, all bets are off.
But I do read a lot of this worry these days and I wonder what it is. Some of this team's fans are more insecure than Oilers fans were when they won the lotto and McDavid looked like he wanted to blow his brains out. What's the deal?
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Definitely. I really don't have a problem with a bridge deal, if it means the Flames still have player control. It would be preferable to lock him down to a long term deal, but only so we don't have to deal with the inevitable melt down from this board in a few short years, with the worry that we won't be able to re-sign him.
I think the Subban comparison is apt. He was a really exciting player, but his ceiling was a bit of an x-factor. Signed a very reasonable bridge deal, with the expectation of a much bigger payday if he performed. Performed he did, and in the end it might have cost the Canadiens some money, but that is a worthwhile gamble in my opinion. It means you have a really, really good player on your hands, with a longer track record to justify a big deal. Personally I think Montreal went a little overboard on that contract, and perhaps didn't get enough in return on the Weber deal, but at least they had a very good player on their blue line and an impressive trading chip if it came to that.