[JohnnyB]

Originally Posted by Major Major

All this real life talk is well and good, but it seems fairly simple to me as a fan.

Just compartmentalize the player and the person. Do we know the person? Not really... Will I wish him and his family health and happiness if they leave? Sure, you bet. In so much as I'd do the same for any other person I don't know.

Johnny the player though? I know that guy. He's got the most unique skill set since Datsyuk IMO. If he signs here, I'll be a fan for life, no matter how things play out.

If he leaves, I'll boo, jeer, chant we don't need you, whatever is adding to the atmosphere at the dome at the time. I'll also hope that his new team loses and he looks back on that decision as a mistake. Nothing personal, that's me being a fan. And a lot like he owes the city nothing, the city in turn owes him nothing.

This is sports. We're not supposed to be sitting around wondering what a player's wife is thinking or whether his in laws call the shots now. It's all a bit strange to me. He stays or goes.

Assuming it's actually about the money though. Which it still is, don't kid yourself. I think his agent will come back to Calgary at the 11th hour with a shockingly big number. Let's just say 8x12. They say that's the Calgary number and any attempt to negotiate will result in him leaving, but they're willing to sign it that minute.

What do you do?

A. Sign it immediately
B. Negotiate anyway
C. Call his bluff and tell him good luck.

C. Remind him the team's objective is to win a championship, and even a team with McDavid isn't doing that without depth. No individual can come before the team goals.