ok, i just did, what did I miss? that we couldve signed him to a bridge deal and still sign him to that 8yr deal at the same price either way? i know that, and ive said that before. i said the only reason why the panthers would forego the bridge and just jump into the 8yr deal is that obviously they think that it'd be a gamble and he could possibly command more after those more 2yrs. if they knew they could still get the same deal after 2yrs, and i agree that i think they would've, then wouldnt they?
we can say he's overpaid as of right now. well, technically he's still on his elc so he isnt, but yes he's not worth his contract yet. and young players are always paid for for theyre expect to be GRANTED they show it in those early years. how are we going to say it never happens? it always does, thats how contracts work. are we going to say mcdavid, after his first 2 or 3 years now won't end up getting an 8yr deal at something insane? obviously he will. ekblad played amazing and the entire league took notice, he's one of the best young d in the league obviously. after showing what he did in his first 2yrs, you pay him that type of money because if he's able to get exceptional status, drafted 1st overall, make the team at 18, score double digit goals and 40pt as an 18/19yr old breaking records of bobby orr, 15g and 35+pt in his sophomore year, having size, mature beyond his years, and plays a responsible game, the whole league would drool for a player like him. after doing that at that age in those first 2yrs yea you expect him to be one of the best, top-15-20, and if you decide to sign an 8yr contract NOW then thats what it'll cost given what he's shown and expecting him to project even further given his young age still and still developing and maturing. sure they could've gotten a little bit off, I'm still convinced he'd cost at least 7per either way unless he himself took a discount. i just wish they let him play out this season and then go into the 8yr deal, give him 3yrs instead of just the 2 to prove himself that much more. i think they still couldve had him at 7.5per either way, whether they waited one more year, or even gave him a 2yr bridge and then signed it, obviously the panthers felt otherwise. i still don't see it as a big deal either way. and the only reason why people are freaking out now is because he's off to a slow start. after those 2yrs played out and then signed it, most people were ok. most.
