Bringer_Of_Snow
Joined: Apr. 2016
Posts: 1,422
Likes: 670
Even if he keeps up his pace, I can't see him getting more than $10M over 3 years. He'll be 29 in the offseason. Theres absolutely no secret that his numbers are mainly due to playing with 97 and 29, but he definitely has skill and speed of his own.
Look at the last 2 seasons. Maroon and Chaisson both had great years, but its pretty well known across the league that the odds they replicate their production on a new team weren't that great. Thus, neither were heavily pursued in free agency.
The other day Ryan Rishaug was suggesting between ferland ($3.5M) and WIlson ($5M+) and to me that just absurd. Kassian is a complimentary player, fan favourites who realistically is a 3rd line player.
Im not trying to take away from Kassian, as he is playing incredible and is a really great player, but he has a perfect situation for himself in Edmonton. He likes playing here and seems to be good buddies with the core of the team.
If he wants anything more than 3 years around $3M I let him walk without hesitation. Even giving him 3 years I am a little reluctant, but if we make the playoffs and he puts together another great performance, I say he would have earned the extra year.
Kassians blend of skill, speed and toughness is pretty difficult to replace, but with lots of young guy upcoming, It can be done.
Ultimately, if you offered him 2.5-3.3 years and the chance to play alongside 97 for the next couple of years, I have a really hard time believing he would turn that down.