MB is using he same tactic used with Eller. Modest raises for RFA years then big payday a for UFA years. PK has to tell his agent to make a 8yr deal happen at all costs, but drag it to the last minute to maximize the cash out of the team. I would guess we see a 8yr x 7.6-7.8 mill per. I'm not really worried. PK whined in the media before his last contract and he got hammered. Now he's saying all the nice things to try to get public opinion on his side to put pressure on the Habs. This is not a new tactic in high end player negotiations.
The reason this isn't a slam dunk is because PK,while awesome, can still be a bit better everywhere in his game. He hasn't taken his team to the finals (though you could argue that he would have if Price wasn't submarined).
This deal will prob happen the night before or just before the arbitration hearing. No player wants to go from negotiating based off your strengths to hearing the same ppl you work for tell a stranger all your flaws and point out what players better than you make. It is obviously a embarrassing and insulting process for the player.
Last minute deal and PK takes just under 8 million.
- SmielmaN
Wow! For a Montreal fan, you really are selling PK short! Just under 8 million per year for EIGHT years? Your best player after Price. He signs a 1 year deal and he'll be a UFA. How much do you think teams would throw at him as a 26 year old Norris winning UFA? 5 million is insulting- and if true, is a huge slap in the face. I think he's worth 10 million per on an 8 year deal. Maybe 8 million on a one year deal, but Montreal would be moronic to do that.
