I think more teams are going to look at the 3 year bridge deal for a RFA more than the long term deal. Teams that sign their RFA's to longer terms, with a higher AVV deal do not have the ability to sign quality depth players. Quality depth players win Stanley Cups. Top heavy, light bottom teams do not win. Brayden Point is the best example of this. Coming out of his ELC, he signs a 3 year deal which allows TB to fill key depth positions. It is a win, win the way I see it. I'd like to see NHL GM's have the courage to go back to the bridge deals after an ELC. Some teams got out of hand trying to reset the market. The team should hold the hammer in negotiations for RFA's not the RFA's. This was a win for Lou and the Islanders, they have the next 3 years with Barzal at 7M per, and the flexibility that no player even their best is paid above 7M per.