Quote:
Originally Posted by Strange Brew
I have said all along, the negotiation is all about establishing market value and agreeing to term. I don’t expect Tkachuk to take under market value. The Flames have every right to only offer a short term contract which carries risk for both sides.
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Isn't this is a significant part of the problem that you are ignoring? "Market value" seems to be very much in flux right now. Just look at the RFA deals signed in the last calendar year—they are all over the map from LeBlanc's one year, $1.0 m contract, to William Karlsson's eight-year deal, to Werenski's three-year deal with the massive qualifying commitment, to Auston Matthew's five-year premium. Of course, Tkachuk and his companion RFAs are all looking at Matthews's contract and expecting comparable compensation and term. But with the current ongoing negotiations the League is having with the NHLPA about escrow, the static salary cap, and the unique situation with so many young players missing from camp there IS NOT a set market. Tkachuk's side can believe with all their hearts that their ask is within "market value," but unless there is a party prepared too pay it, it's just an imaginary number. I think it is fairly clear that teams are much more reluctant to pay than you are assuming.