[Salt Water Cowboy #10]

All this Johnny Hockey contract speculation got me thinking. Why do elite players hold out on NHL contracts when they still make a boatload of cash from other deals? I don't know how much a player can make outside the rink, but I know it can be substantial. So, why do players ( or agents ) push for max dollars from their teams? It's a gamble that could backfire huge! Players making a million more than they should, become whipping boys and targets of the fan bases. Why not take a bit less, like Brodie for example, and keep everyone loving you. Then make extra from sponsors and commercials, and feed from the positive vibes of fans. I get why they go for the most cash but I'm curious if it really pays off in the long run. That, on top of having better players on your team, should work out to a better career in the end. Thoughts?