Okay, let me clarify one thing- when I mean potential, I mean McAvoy potential in that he has already achieved a certain level where if he never improved further, he would still be a very good player. He isn't Drew Doughty, prime Weber, EK yet. People here expect him to get there, a lot of the hockey world expects him to get there. The problem is if you are the Bruins, do you pay him for what he might be a couple years? Or do you pay him for what he's done so far? Not lowballing the guy, but if you gave him 2 years at 5mil as a bridge, he gets paid nicely and the opportunity to prove he is worth that next level of contract- the 8X9 or whatever it is. If he gets there, great. If he doesn't, then you aren't on the hook with another monster contract you can't move where you are still getting some good value from the player but not what you are paying for. It's a cap world.
Anyway, I don't want it sound like I don't rate McAvoy because I do and I *think* he will be that top tier level d-man in the near future, but I definitely understand the Bruins point of view of not wanting to commit to it just yet. I also think if Charlie and his agent are asking for that big payday then they are ahead of themselves just bit here.