So as far as I can see, you believe because the future is uncertain, there's no point in trying to make specific plans for it, and should instead focus mostly on the present, which is more certain. In terms of day-to-day life I actually agree with that. But the contracts and a hockey team with a salary cap is a controlled environment. There's limits to how many things can and will go wrong and ways to decrease the chances of failure and increase the chances of success. In any case, when you're signing a long-term deal, you are making a decision that will affect the future, so you need to at least make some assumptions about what that future will be like. A smart GM will look at as many possibilities as he can, then offer a contract that will lead to the most likely chance of success for every year of the contract.
Honestly, the thinking that "we'll deal with that when/if it happens" or "that sounds like a X years from now problem" is exactly what causes teams to fail in the long term. Toronto right now appears to be epitome of that line of thinking, and I won't be shocked to see them struggling before the end of many of the contracts they've handed out.
The good news is I think we've narrowed things down to the key differences between our thinking. If I'm right about that, I'm not sure there's much more "bickering" to do
Why is this a reply to me? I never advocated letting Rantanen sit the whole year out.
Yeah that was me. Sorry, I should have said "essentially" two options. An offer sheet is not actually within their control - they have to rely on other teams making them an offer they actually want to accept. it is technically an option though, you're right.
As for Europe, this article (
Report: List of 30 highest-paid KHLers revealed - Sportsnet.ca) says the highest paid player in the KHL was making 5.5M in 2016. If he's willing to play in Europe for even 7 million, why wouldn't he just sign at that number with the Avs? European clubs can offer even remotely the same compensation as the Avs can, so going to Europe is only an option if the dispute is not about money. But yes, it's an option, but not a good one, especially long-term.
I honestly don't know what to tell you. You seem to have some scars you need to work through. I remember the bottom feeder years too, but I personally believe ownership is currently willing to spend to the cap if necessary. The rumored offers to Panarin confirm that. It may have been embarrassing to be an Avs fan at times in the past (Tyler Arnason comes to mind), but not now. Definitely not now.