As a rival fan this is my perspective:
If the rumored value of 8 x 9.5 was offered and he is thinking about it from a money thing, the value has to go up to 8 x 10.5-10.75 at least. To lose a 1st line player and your best player over 1 M annually cannot happen.
If it isn't a money thing and he wants to be home, then nothing can be done and he earned the right as a UFA. But if it isn't about that and simply money, you up the offer to 10.75 M+. I understand there are limits to each player but you can replace 3rd and 4th liners and cut a M or 2 there but to replace your best player with a downgrade (there isn't a player on the market who is as good as him), is unacceptable if this is only a money thing. To "overpay" by a small margin for those who feel that number would be an overpayment has to be done.
I'm not saying I am right, I am just saying this is my opinion and you can't lose your 29 year old best player (which in turn could lose your 2nd best player) by 1 M.
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