LongtimeLeafsufferer
Joined: Jul. 2015
Posts: 59,518
Likes: 22,676
I know folks criticize that Leafs contracts of their top 4 players 40.5m....and so do I. Probably 3m overpay, but if the if it's trend that RFAs are going to getting UFA money, the Leafs are just ahead of the trend.
Hawks next year....Kane, Toew, Seabrook and Debrincat at 8m. 35.75. Rangers Panarin, Trouba and Lundqvist 28.1m. gee add buyout Shattenkirk then it 34.2 for three active player.
Sharks and their top four, age 30 plus on long term. Couture, Vlasic, Burns and Karlsson....34.5m...is that going to age well?
But while. owners are spending more for top level RFAs, they aren't necessarily spend more money on players. It's the lower end players without leverage that are being squeezed. In the Leafs case it looks like they have to run with 21 man roster due to cap compliant. So two guys who normally would be would be in the NHL now don't make 850,000 but make 70,000 in the AHL. It's an issue that the majority of NHLPA members are concerned with. My lack of opportunity of modest NHL money so the few can get more.