Quote:
Originally Posted by PepsiFree
The most logical decision is to sign Johnny for 4 years under 6 million.
If we aren't contenders by then, we'll have bigger issues.
This keeps Johnny as an RFA who the Flames will have a better read on and let's them see what we have in Bennett and Tkachuk (namely: how much we have to pay them).
On the downside, you're (hopefully) looking at giving Gaudreau a pay raise. You can either give it to him or (if Bennett/Tkachuk prove to be better building blocks) trade him to address an area of weakness.
4 is ideal. But contracts that are 5, 8, 1, and 2 years long are all "avoid at all costs" IMO. 8 might be palatable if you can get him for under 7 mil, but if not, don't give him 8 years.
|
4 years might actually be the worst option. You take him right to the end of his RFA years, with arbitration and offer sheet rights. Its an easy path to UFA from there. All he has to do is accept a one year contract, by accepting is QO, arbitration ruling or otherwise, and then go on his merry way from there.