Quote:
Originally Posted by ComixZone
I think Mang is legitimately a top-60 winger in the NHL today/going forward, and I think he'll "bet on himself" by not signing longterm this summer without a huge deal.
In points per 60 all situations he's 97th in the league for forwards (Johnny is 1st, Chucky is 4th, Fiala is 24th, Lindholm is 56th - so our priorities should be pretty damn clear - we need Johnny and Chucky).
In points per 60 at even strength Mangiapane is 92nd in the league for forwards.
Mangiapane is an absolute beast, and given his minutes have been suppressed to this stage as has his quality of linemates it seems like the smart play to bet on himself in his last RFA year and try to maximize in free agency next year (not a slight at Backs - but most players above Mang are playing with more offensively gifted players as Backs is 247th for ESP/60).
To me, Mangiapane is a great candidate to lock up long-term at like $6M-$6.5M - so above that $5M range of McCann, but giving us a long-term great value contract.
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If every team has three first line forwards (so 96 forwards total), that makes Mangiapane a poor first line forward or a good second line forward. I hope the Flames are cautious to invest too much into a player where everything went right for him to start the year. He's not an $8M per year player yet. If he's betting on himself then Mangiapane isn't going to agree to $6M long term - that's not betting on himself. I see him as a player that can drive play but also one who needs the right line mates to actually produce at a high second or first line pace. I suspect that he and the Flames will approach this year cautiously.