I can understand why Marner, and Point, and Laine, and Rantanen, and Connor, and....haven't signed yet. But I am confused as to what the hold up is with Jimmy. Sure, Jimmy's got some new moves. But Jimmy doesn't like confrontations.
Don't get me wrong, Jimmy might be a beauty and Jimmy might be a big name one day. But today, Jimmy is not. Unlike the big RFA names on the board that still haven't signed, Jimmy could very well play in the AHL next year because Jimmy wouldn't have to clear waivers to do so. Jimmy wouldn't like that.
In fact, if Jimmy lets the season start and Jimmy still hasn't signed a contract, Jimmy's salary cap will be an inflated calculation (just like last year)...this will all but guarantee that Jimmy will be forced to play the entire year in the AHL since VGK has little wiggle room in salary cap space to bring Jimmy up to the NHL. In other words, even if Jimmy is playing amazing in the minors, Jimmy can't be called up if Jimmy is too expensive.
As a result, George does not need to rush this signing....if Jimmy signs now for the expected $900K or so, then Jimmy can play with the big squad next year. If Jimmy wants to wait and sign for more money then that's fine too, but it will have consequences....Jimmy will have to play all season in the AHL.
So, George and Kelly, you're in good shape. I would let Jimmy's camp know that if Jimmy doesn't sign by a certain deadline, then you are going to have to sign another D-man (Michael Stone) for the money that Jimmy would have gotten. Then, Jimmy can make the decision whether Jimmy wants to play in the AHL this season or the NHL this season just by signing the contract or not.
McDavid, Connor
$250,000)
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