Quote:
Originally Posted by kehatch
I will be in the minority here, but I would have preferred a bridge. Hanafin barely cracked the top 4 last season (based on ice time, zone starts, and competition.) His point production was decent but not spectacular. In short he still has a lot to prove.
I like the player, and he has been progressing every season. Chances are this is a budget contract down the road. But paying relatively unproven players a bunch of money has been the Oilers recipe for "success".
I think a 2 year prove it deal would have been the safer contract that left some incentive on the board. Plus, the next contract would have bought more UFA years if things turned out.
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He is 21 years old.
So....yeah.
In the "olden days" Dmen were often prevented from playing until 24 or 25 (with obvious exceptions), and that's because the position is simply the hardest to learn and excel at when talking about the NHL level.
This kid is on a really good track as far as development.
This deal has the potential to pay off in a HUGE way in a couple years.