SmoggyTwinkles
Go Leafs Go
The assumption is that Karlsson will even re-up right now. He, like Doughty, will likely wait to hit the market so they can hear what other teams will offer. So even if Melnyk wants to pony up, he has to wait until Karlsson is free to decide to see if he can some how keep him.
That has to suck for Ottawa and even LA.
I can absolutely see them both waiting until the last minute to sign, and doing the rounds like Stamkos did because that just helps them and their agent get the best deal even though they already know in their mind they'll just stay where they are.
And they have that week now I think where they can entertain offers from other teams and come back at their own with what they've been offered right?
I'm just saying I bet both Karlsson and Doughty both resign with their teams and I'll even say that Tavares will too. If I were betting my own money I'd easily put it on that, recent history supports it.