Don't think there was any doubt he would have gotten paid. This is beyond the Oilers or his desire to win in Edmonton. He is the new benchmark for NHL and his contract will be the new standard of comparison for other players. His agent and the NHLPA would be under pressure to set the bar as high as possible.
Was probably also wishful thinking on my part that he only sign for 5 years. Hockey is fast and rough game, no guarantee that he doesn't suffer a concussion or breaks something. Better for him to take what he can get now
Maybe a mistake for the Oilers GM not to make a side deal to have Vegas take Pouliot or another useless contract just for some cap help.
LChoy
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