Setting aside Gio, 6.75MM is pretty much the upper limit for a 2nd line winger in 2019 when the cap is 81.5MM
Tkachuk will likely improve to be a first line winger and potentially a perennial all-star and win nhl award(s), at which point he will deserve more money.
Rebuilding teams should have cap space to commit to long term deals (overpay now and save in long run) for 2 or 3 players that will climb the ranks of all-time franchise records.
Contending teams would not normally have the cap space to commit long term deals which require room to accommodate long term inflation of salary cap over 7 to 8 years. Unless that team has 2 all-stars on entry level deals, then you have the luxury to invest current cap space in a long term investment.
Contending teams normally have to trade away depth to accommodate long term deals, and then you are no longer a true contender. Your depth leaves you somewhere in the middle of the pack.
Need a 2 yr deal around 6MM if the Flames are going to be a legit contender in 2019
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