Quote:
Originally Posted by DeluxeMoustache
The point of landing on the right number is also dependent on him being a RFA , and ‘settling’ is not ‘just because’
What does he do if the Flames do not meet his demands? Go to Europe or take zero until he is willing to agree
Let’s say this hypothetically unfolds:
Matthew wants 10 or whatever you guys think he is worth for 8 years.
The Flames say he is nuts, because that is a huge ask for a guy who scored one goal in February, and was invisible as they tucked tail and handed Colorado an easy series win (yes, it gets ugly. Why wouldn’t it? It’s just business, after all)
The Flames don’t want to buy a bunch of UFA years, so the conversation turns towards a 5 year term
Matthew concedes, but really wants 8. That’s what he will settle for but he wants it so much that he will hold out for it
Let’s say the Flames are then saying we will sign you today for 7 and not a penny more.
Tkachuk holds out
December deadline day arrives.
Flames stay put
Here are Tkachuk’s options:
Hold out and not play. Take zero in year 1, then get his 8 for the remaining 4 years
Suck it up and take 7 for 5 years
He can’t negotiate with anyone else. At least not any other team in the NHL.
What does he do?
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Again you are missing the point.
It doesnt matter what I or anyone else "thinks he is worth".
The precedence has been set. Thats how contract negotiations work in the NHL now. Don Meehan is the best agent in the business...not because he gets his guys every last dollar but because he gets them a fair price and keeps both the player and the teams he deals with happy.
So now you have to look around at players of his age, experience, production, intangibles, who are/were RFA etc and see ...what is fair?
Do that and you can come to a number....but that number sure as hell isnt 6.9 a year nor is it 10M a year. Definately somewhere in the middle however....and guess whats in the middle?
8.5M per year
Now you have to figure out term. Well you arent going 4 as that takes him to UFA. He isnt going to 8 as he gives up years of UFA. So you land somewhere between 5-7 and guess whats in the middle?
6.
So 8.5M X 6 years is where, using all the tools available, we land with this guy....in a fair and palatable spot for both sides.
Oh and going hardball holdout/no signing is not good for either side. Make him sit out? How does that advance your team going forward? What did it do for the Leafs and Nylander? What does it say to other players and agents?
If you, personally, don't see MT as being a premier forward in the game moving forward, then yes i understand your position.
If you see him, as i believe the club sees him, as a guy that is on an ascension to among the best in the business, then without question you pay him fair market and get a couple years of UFA while you are at it....everyone is happy.