I was hoping for 6 x $5.5. I'm more than happy with 3 x $5.8. He'll be going into his 29yr old season needing a contract.
I'm more than happy with that. A 35 goal season when everyone and their dog hitting career highs isn't a great basis to hand out term like candy.
I just didn't think it would be a 3 year, but I'm extremely happy that it is. We have his prime years and we have potential on ELCs right now where I'm really not sold on Mangiapane being more than a 3rd liner when this expires.
My hope is that we'll be moving ahead with a good young top 6 by then (besides Huberdeau).
And those 20 assists stick out like a sore thumb. I read that as very little playmaking ability, successful at cleaning up around the crease. Even at that, how long is that sustainable for a smaller player?
BT is doing a really sound job managing. He is by no means short-sighted. There is room here for current and near-future prospects. Lindholm also runs out turning 30.
This is how you don't run into a rebuild, by not backing yourself into a corner with guys expiring in their twilight (Coleman/Toffoli). Also Tanev, but he is legend right now, turning 33 this season, turning 35 in his no contract year.
If he can get, Huberdeau and Weegar at 5 years at elevated cap hit, I'll love BT forever.
I'm a big fan of shorter terms, knowing the quality of 20yr olds these days.
Sorry for the wall of text, but I'm excited, I love both of these recent signings. Don't get too far ahead, just stop handing out picks like candy, finally.