I think a contract around 4 years gives the best potential opportunity for the franchise to maximize the asset
If he lights it up next year, he’s a UFA and his justification for contract demands the Flames won’t want to meet will be stronger, and he is then a rental for the acquiring team if he is traded
If they see a high skill player that they can sign to a good deal now (due to negotiating position - some good will on the side of the player and also some uncertainty after the end of his Vancouver experience), I think there is a good argument it makes sense now
That if course is based on what they are seeing and projecting
The skill level is unique. This isn’t contract year Andrew Mangiapane we are talking about
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