Quote:
Originally Posted by jayswin
I believe sureloss or someone else mentioned that you can't actually sign to Guadreau to an 8 year contract once free agency starts. So if Gaudreau is at the point of talking to other teams and giving up the 8 years here, he's essentially gone from the Flames.
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That's why I'm saying you let him talk to others before July 1 (or whatever the date is this year).
You hold firm at say 8x10M
He explores market and finds his best offer is 7x10M. Or 7x11M but without all the NTC/bonus structure he wants.
Then he can weigh the options and decide. Whatever the case, he probably gives you another chance to convince him, even if its for no other reason than improving his leverage elsewhere. Of course it could turn into a high stakes game of chicken where his agent might bluff. Or you might get an asset for their rights.
Getting to UFA sounds exciting but stressful. Ultimately it's probably gambling over the last few % of your earnings and general location control. For some people there might be a really strong curiousity to know what else is out there - this strategy is a decent compromise where you don't lose a strong piece of leverage (8th year) if you sense the player has that itch.
On the other hand if the negotiations are close then the 8th year can be a big carrot for the player to risk in the hours leading up to the deadline where it disappears.