Quoting: ItWasIn
But keep in mind. Barkov is also cheaper for the next 4 years that’s big for a team like Washington up against the Cap. Kuznetsov is better offensively but I think most teams would rather take Barkov
A 700k difference for four years is meaningless if the cap keeps going up, and all of the inflation is on top line players. The minimum wage hasn't changed since Backstrom signed for six million a year. Now Oshie gets almost six million and Michael Ferland says he'll want six million a year, and he might get it. People are already talking about 9M a year for Stone, and 12 for Matthews as an RFA. You wait three more years to negotiate with Barkov as a UFA, and he's getting a $15M AAV, max term, in four years. Easily. Kuznetsov, who is signed up until age 34, at which point he might go year to year.... is a hundred million dollars cheaper, career, than Barkov. He's four years older, so maybe Barkov plays longer, but if the Caps are looking to repeat, their leading playoff scorer is a non-starter for on-ice reasons, as well.
Also, while Kuznetsov got thirty points in last year's playoffs (joining nine other centers in NHL history), Barkov has three career playoff points. Jaskin has four. Burakovsky has sixteen.
If Florida aren't looking for playoff heroes and draft picks, they would have hung up on Pittsburgh.
But also, why are we arguing. There's no need to be jealous, as a Flames fan, just because Washington could use a skilled checking center, while Eller's out for a couple of days. Instead maybe let me know how much of the above it would take to land Elias Lindholm?