Mike wrote on Tue, 29 June 2021 09:07

CrusaderPi wrote on Tue, 29 June 2021 12:03 Mike wrote on Tue, 29 June 2021 08:32 Suomalainen wrote on Tue, 29 June 2021 11:02 I'm guessing his agent used Seattle to get the deal signed. If I'm not mistaken, Seattle gets early negotiating to UFAs before the draft - and if they got to that point, he was gone. Edit: they can select UFAs - like Vegas did with Egelland Right - but I'm a pretty competitive guy. I'm guessing an NHLer is even more so. Surely he knows it would benefit the team he's going to be committing 8 years to to wait. Have a handshake deal and sign it 20 seconds after Seattle makes their pick from the Oilers. Counterpoint: who challenges for the second round first? Seattle or Edmonton? Well we're not in a position where I think we really should go for it every year. Maybe in 4-5 years once we've had a few more chances to fill out our roster through the draft, so I'll go with Seattle.

The other thing to consider is if Nuge (and he agent) trust the Oilers not to go back on their word or get distracted by a shiny bauble in free agency or simply decide there's another way to outsmart everyone. All things considered, it's probably best for both parties to get the deal done and have that security and not worry about losing the 13th best player instead of the 12th (and potentially the 5th).

I like the deal for right now and think it helps move the Oilers closer to a Stanley Cup. Yes, years 6-8 will probably be an overpay, but the window will likely be closed by then. Pretty crazy to think a 28 year old player is taking a pay cut. Strange times.

Please do not feed the bears. Feeding the bears creates a dependent population unable to survive on their own. Bears.