Quote:
Originally Posted by The Cobra
If you are signing your "stars" when they are approaching UFA, the initial years are likely your only chance to win.
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I'm not sure I agree with that. If you look at Stamkos (8.5) and especially Hedman (7.8), those contracts just kept getting better year after year. Imagine if the cap didn't become flat due to COVID. Of course supplementing them with Kucherov, Point, Vas and friends turned them into a possible dynasty.
Washington finally won when Backstrom was near the end of his contract (6.7) and Carlson was on his last year (4). Two years later and they are making 9.2 and 8. (Counterpoint Kuznetzov first year contract).
Kings win with Kopitars 6.8 nearing its end, last season of Brown's 3.1 contract in 2014 (counterpoint Quick's first year). Kings win in 2012 was also Doughty's first year on his contract, but Conn Smythe Quick was second last year of his 1.8M contract.
Blackhawks win with Toews (6.3) and Kane (6.3) in their last year with them immediatley bumping up to 10.5 each. Their first win was also when they were on ELCs before bumping up to 6.3.
Bruins win with Marchand on last year of his ELC, Bergeron last year of his 4.75M contract, Horton one year left on his. Last year of Chara's but he would sign for slightly lower cap-hit with likely expectation of it being a retirement one lol. Counterpoint Lucic's first year of his contract.
Penguins win in 2009 with Malkin and Staal on last year of ELC, Scuderi on last year of low contract, Letang on ELC. Counterpoint Crosby, Fleury and Orpik's first years on new contracts.
Tampa's 2020 win had last year Vasilevskiy, last year Sergachev, first year Kucherov, McDonagh. 2021 then had first year Vas, Sergachev, but second last year Point, last year Coleman.