Still need to clear cap...

That's what I was trying to show. Hard to find more places to save money on that squad.

Need to clear space.

22 man roster and Hyman on soir gets you close. Dubas has stated that he is getting “creative” with Mitch’s contract. I think it is a negotiation of term rather than money. Look for a bridge deal under 9m or a slightly longer term at 10m or less. I think Dubas has been smart so far to not offer him any more than 10m on any term. Essentially calling marners bluff on an offersheet. The advantage in negotiations seem to be tipping back in Dubas’ favour. I explain etc it to be long and drawn out but in the end they will agree on a deal that works for both sides.

3 yrs for 28 million. Cap hit of 9.333333

Not that I find 10.5 X 5 unreasonable, but compared to Aho, it's 2m to high, All these teams and the other unsigned RFAs are just waiting for someone else to sign to really set what $$$ and bar is for these players.

$9,316,000. Shout out to his jersey numbers.

Though Marner's camp would want $16'930'000 million @ 8 years. If you played that game. lol

The Habs tried to do the NHL a favor with Aho offer sheet, hoping the 8.5 million would set the market value, too bad some other GM will ruin that chance, where is the ownerships collusion when you need it> ?

Sadly the Eichel, Matthews and Nylander over payment deals have already taken in effect in the NHLPA's mind.

I don't think it's owner collusion at all. Many teams are spending to the cap. What why are talking about is how the money is distributed among players. It might be closer to be GM collusion.
Not that I think that Marner should be a socialist and give the money he thinks he deserves to other Leafs. But if teams overpay for few players, they have to squeeze other players. Hard to believe that best players, those with the most leverage are the capitalists and the holders of the purse...the GMs and owners are the socialists.

This is another solid A+ analogy. The GMs set the market by what they agree to pay, and the players, including rfas, have choices they can make depending what the market offers.

But just like any market driven industry a choice isn't solely predicated on money. There is always several variables that come into play when making a decision I.e money, location, competitiveness, legacy, proximity to family and friend etc.

It's just getting tough to know what these rfas want. I'm assuming everything.. and without a whole lot of concessions.

I wish the media coverage was as rationale as your analysis