Delicious Dangles*
Guest
I think it is QUITE the stretch to attribute Buffalo's struggles to team payroll expanding because of new ownership.Buffalo had most of their players take discounts. Then with new ownership, began handing out contacts like Ehrhoff's and Leino's.
It caused well known discontent in the locker room. Other players were incredibly upset at the money they were denied but others received. The team fell apart because of how they allocated money.
Agents and players will absolutely point to those contacts - logically, fairly or not. It will absolutely affect team dynamics.
I also don't see all these Buffalo players that took discount contracts. Actually, one of the biggest "discounts" they have is the Ehrhoff contract.
Agents and GMs use league-wide player comparables, not in-team contracts.