Some takes in here just don't factor in the reality of the ability of player to move on from a team simply. Our negotiating room on Dahlin was almost nil because he was heading into a team-controlled year of RFA.
Power is different. I totally agree with that. But we had four years of team control when his current deal was out (someone correct if wrong). We definitely could play hardball with him (forgetting the consequences of doing that), but we bought three of his UFA years. To me, that's the story. I would want a fourth UFA year at this price. No question. But Power will be 28 when the contract is up and he's getting one more big one.
On these long-term deals, my biggest worry is less overpayment than value going to close to zero which mostly happened with Okposo, Leino and almost Skinner under Krueger. Keeping a guy on roster making 10% of cap who barely belongs in the NHL, that's the worry.
Sure it could happen with Power. But this takes him to 28 and barring major injury, not happening.
