[Cali Panthers Fan]

This is a topic that I haven't seen anyone discuss yet around here. Jankowski has been told to find a place in Calgary, meaning he's on the roster likely for the rest of the year and probably is an NHLer going forward (unless his game falls apart overnight). Here are some facts about Jankowski to think about before discussing his price:

-RFA this off-season after his ELC currently making $925K
-23 years old
-2 years of pro experience: 1 in the AHL and 1 likely to be almost entirely in the NHL.
-Dominated the AHL in his time there to the tune of 64 points in 70 games and a +27
-Plays all situations already in the NHL (5 on 5, PK, PP) and plays center behind Monahan and Backlund.
-Has scored 12 points in 31 games to date. This translates to a 0.39 point-per-game pace that would result in about 32 points over a full season as a rookie. He may yet pick up the offense even more as his line has been very good for a while now.
-CorsiFor%Close 5 on5 is 51.3%. That's pretty exceptional for a rookie. Just for reference: The recently named rookie of the month for December was Brock Boeser. His number in this same category is 46.9%....as a winger who shoots a LOT.
-Other various underlying stats: Face-off %: 52.9%. Shot blocks: 14 (approx. 0.5/game). Giveaway to takeaway ratio: 5:10 (so he takes the puck away twice as often as he gives it away).

So here's my take: I think he's part of the core moving forward, and if he had a little more experience, he might replace Mikael Backlund on the 2nd line going forward, allowing Treliving to trade Backlund when his value is highest rather than re-signing him to a pricey contract. He's already a good penalty killer and drives possession well. He's shown in the AHL that he will put up points, and he's progressed at every level so far (College, AHL, NHL).

I think Janko is a guy that you move right past the bridge contract and lock him into an 8 year team friendly deal. I think you pay for potential a little up front, but if you can get him signed to an 8 year deal at $3.5-4 million, you do it. We've seen teams lock up good young players early on when possible.

Now I'm no contract expert, so be kind if you disagree with me. What does everyone else think? If you do a bridge deal, what does it look like? Is my long term deal out to lunch, or is it fair value for both sides?