Perhaps I'm oversimplifying, but one thing that seems absolutely inevitable is that Huberdeau will sign a big long-term contract sometime between now and next July 3 (ie. within a few days of UFA day).
The only thing he stands to gain by waiting is some more control over location...but he doesn't have to look far to see how that worked out for Gaudreau (or Klingberg/Kadri at this point TBD). Until a few days ago he thought he'd be spending another decade in FLA...I kinda doubt he has a particularly strong opinion on alternative locations, yet.
For the next year he has very little control of where else he goes (8 team no go list). Not signing now means significant risk that he is traded to a contender as a pure rental, which would effectively take an extension off the table until the end of the season. Injury, poor play, or another unforeseen pandemic could cost him millions. See Hall, Taylor.
I'll be pretty shocked if he isn't inked well before training camp. Get the money now, ask for a trade later if necessary...apparently lots of people will even think he's a super awesome dude as long as he asks the 'right way'.
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