Quote:
Originally Posted by GullFoss
Agreed - which is why I think the potential for a 3y bridge is negligible.
Going long - with my example of 8 x 5.5m - wouldn't be "asking for a discount" but rather combining a 2y bridge with a 6x6.5...that would have the result of lowering the cap hit in future years (which is good for the team), but woudl come at the risk of Bennett not pannning out. Its a big risk, but it potentially saves C$1m/year of cap space down the road when the team is contender
2x2.5 = 5
6x6.5 = 39
39/8 = C$5.5m
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I see the intent (2X2.5) for bridge years and (6X6.5) for none bridge years. Idealistically if the player progresses as he should (remember he is only 20) would provide stability to the player and cap management certainty to the team.
Unfortunately there is a large amount of risk with giving a player who has not proved himself beyond draft pedigree and earning a roster spot with regular playing minutes (and one 4 goal game which was awesome) an 8 year deal. As you touched on earlier the Flames would be taking on the risk and this would definitely be a risk reward contract for the flames, because he could turn out to be great, but he could also turn out to be a solid 3rd line player whose play belies his contract (hope I said that right).
There is also risk to a long term contract for Sam Bennett, why sell yourself short if in 3 years you turn into a scoring star? Which could also happen as well. Actually you know what, I can defeat my own argument because he would already be getting paid in your scenario for his bridge years.
So yes 8 year deal would be great for Sam Bennets perspective because as you say he is very competitive so that means he is not going to just mail it in because he is getting paid really well.
However for the Flames 8 year deal at 5.5 million per year is a tremendous risk to the flames because he still has not proven he is a standout player and if he never achieves that level he would be overpaid.
Anyways yah I like your idea, wouldn't be what I would recommend if I were to make a recommendation due to risk, but I still like the concept.