So MacT on weekend states that he feels this contract is a good compromise for J Schultz.
I would alternately state that the most talented D on this team, and most highly touted D, that chose to come here has been compromised with this contract as two newcomers, Nikitin, and Fayne are now being paid more by the org. and with longterm goodfaith contracts that pay them way over what either was ever making before.
I really hope J Schultz REALLY loves it here. Because theres nothing in me that would like what transpired here. This if anything would convince me to be looking elsewhere.
A couple of things here. Schultz has been compromised with the contract because he hasn't proven enough to be worthy of a long term contract although i would have preferred that he be locked up sooner than later if they were willing to take a Gardiner level contract but that didn't seem to be the case since Schultz's camp was apparently looking for more.
Also, handing out a lucrative long term deal to a player as a "Thank You" for signing with the team doesn't make a whole lot of sense. I understand that there is probably some good faith involved since Schultz chose Edmonton over all others but the player needs to at least somewhat earn the contract also. You can't just give him whatever he wants just because he chose Edmonton.
Comparing Nikitin (not a long term deal btw, not sure why you're saying that) and Fayne to the Schultz negotiations is comparing apples and oranges, UFA vs. RFA.
The Oilers can afford to put off signing Schultz long term because he's team controlled for the next several years whereas free agents are only going to come to Edmonton for overpayment since they have a choice of other teams to sign with although the Fayne deal is an excellent one IMO, really underrated player.