If they had waited, his average would be down to about $9 million per now.
The unfortunate part is no he wouldn't. Just like Marner won't take less than 10M wherever he ends up. Aho and Barkov haven't put up a 100 point seasons whereas Pettersson has. That plays a huge factor in why he got the amount he did. Nevermind, Canadian teams generally have to pay more.
Is he worth 11.6M right now? No. He's been average to downright bad throughout most of the playoffs. It's more than a little frustrating watching Barkov put up 13 points and Aho have 10 whereas Pettersson has only mustered 4.
Let's take a step back and compare linemates though.
Guentzel - Aho - Svechnikov
Tarasenko - Barkov - Reinhart
Mikheyev - Pettersson - Karlsson/Hoglander
I know people don't like to hear excuses but there is an
enormous difference in talent on those wings. Pettersson's line is essentially being used a depth third line, and producing as expected in that role. Actually, it's still disappointing, albeit less so.
When Petey finally scored, it was on the powerplay with a beautiful pass from Lindholm. Kind of says everything, doesn't it? He isn't McDavid or Crosby. He can't turn average players into superstars. Good as Miller has been, it's because Boeser had a complete resurgence and the two built chemistry. Pettersson doesn't have that because Hoglander disappeared and Mikheyev can't score.