Alfie wasn't the most vocal guy, he did all his talking on the ice through his play. Chabot plays the most ice time per game in the league and doesn't have an adequate defensive partner. Tkachuk was on pace to have better offensive #s, but 50ish point for the 2nd worst team in the league is nothing to brag about. Exactly who did Brady play with that had such a good season as a result of his presence? Exactly who followed him to battle this season as a result of his play? He might become that one day, but isn't right now and we need to pay for what he is right now
I'm not saying Brady is garbage, i'm just saying lets adjust our view of him and recognize that we have a young power forward who does the little things right, but is far from a clutch, point producing dynamo that can lead this team to the promised land. He wasn't even nominated for the Calder and his offensive increase, while good, isn't enough to warrant the money some of us suggest on this board.
Toronto can spend to the cap whenever they feel like it. We have no idea if Melnyk will be a cheapo when its time for us to contend so we have to make sure we get full value out of every single contract. Don't just go with the market price, set the market price. Pastrnak could've asked for a lot more, but the Bruins got him for a bargain, its one of the reasons his deal is so good. We need to do something similar and not limit ourselves. If Brady has $8 million on a long term deal, if our next offensive threat is better then him, what are the chances Melnyk opens his wallet for more cash?