8, 7, 6, 3, 2, 1, 4, 5 were probably the order of most valuable to least purely based on years for the Flames.
5 makes him a UFA Right away, 4 gives him the ability to walk to UFA with a QO which would be ridiculous to put your star winger in that position. 1, 2, 3, are pretty similar in that it means multiple negotiations with another kick at the can, 6 only takes one year UFA but provides certainty for six years, and obviously 7 and 8 would have been the best outcome.
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