2M AAV is probably the lowest cap hit anyone could have realistically hoped for. Well done Holland.
I am actually surprised it’s that high in this economy. Guys like Hamonic, proven NHL top 4 vet, will likely sign for less. Not that I’m not happy with the deal, just thought at this time it would be less. Dermott, more NHL experience, took his QO at what 900K? Deangelo signed a 1 year 925 last offseason, similar circumstance in that he just needed to prove he could hold course.
The good thing about the deal is if Bear continues to impress your getting him relatively cheap for the second year. I just have my reservations when you look at all the Oiler D who look good for a season just to fizzle out, Gilbert, Davidson, Marincin, Benning though he looked better this past year. Oiler fans have a tendency of pumping a young lesser known D mans tires just for him to become the whipping boy the following year.