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Originally Posted by Erick Estrada
Doubtful it's resolved in 2021. This situation is similar to the Deshaun Watson situation in that you have a franchise player that is in a situation there he's slightly devalued (he's likely going to be suspended at some point) but the asking price is astronomically high (3 x 1st round pick plus 2 x 2nd round picks). Apparently at least two NFL teams have put in serious offers but the Texans are planning on simply not dressing him for the season because as with the Sabres no team has met their asking price.
In both cases the teams hold all the cards with the player under contract long term and I have to agree with the way both teams are going about things as chances are a team in both leagues will crater to the demand. I don't think the Texans will get the five picks in the end but they will get close if they wait it out. The Sabres like the Texans know they aren't contending in the upcoming season so there's little negative to holding on to the asset until a team caves in.
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I don’t really agree with this take. For one the Sabres have time but there is a pending NMC that is kicking in after this season so there is some time but it is ticking for the Sabres. Watson already has a NTC so that impacts the Texans ability to make a deal.
Different leagues and different situations. I could say that this will play out like a NBA deal where 3-5 teams get together to make a blockbuster. It doesn’t really happen in hockey so while I see some similarities in the situations you have described I don’t see it playing out the same way.
The agent move was putting pressure on the team to make the deal. I think the PA will get involved if this continues to drag out well into the season. The Sabres can’t believe they are going to get a better offer by burning another year of his prime and contract by sitting out. Once the NMC kicks in then it is likely the Rangers, or Bruins and the offers get far worse.