I'd agree that Johnny seems to be the sort of guy who would actually take a bit less if that means the money goes to bringing someone impactful in. This aligns with the earlier rumours about Johnny wanting someone else as an option that can carry the puck - add someone impactful and I'll take a mill less to help with that. If his rumoured market value is indeed 10.5ish, the 9.5 initial offer sounds right in this scenario.
Also agree that Johnny is a solid dude and will inform the Flames early if he's moving on. My guess is he's already decided he's going to re-sign with the Flames for the minimum amount of 9.5 per. He's agreed with his agent on a date when they'll inform the Flames of this decision, but his agent has convinced Johnny to be patient because he has nothing to lose and the Flames might just come back and flip that 9. 5 to a 10 and shed cap another way to add that impact player.
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