It’s a neither here, nor there update. Barzal wants that long term deal in the $10mil range that I’ve reported for months now... as the days go by, the chances of that fade and switch towards a bridge contract #Isles https://t.co/VX6DL3WTFL

— NHL Rumors (@NHLRumorsDaily) January 4, 2021

I’d take barzal on a 8x10 deal anyday. But, I don’t know how NYI cap situation is. I’d think 7.5m for 3 years is fair no? Maybe even 7.5m for 2? Just get a deal done. Lou is such a nitpicker too haha, if barzal is too stubborn this might go past the RFA deadline as Lou doesn’t change his mind too fast.

Barzal isn't worth that kind of money at the moment. If he were say Crosby/Ovechkin/McDavid, no problem giving him that. Right now though...massive overpay.

Marner got it and Barzal is better

They can afford to give him 10 mill. I don't think it goes past next weekend, but then hell just get a bridge. I'd rather sign him long term.

So Base one guys pay on someone else’s overpay not if I’m Lou

Kucherov only got 9.5 x8 he’s BETTER

"Pay me like Matthews"

The Wild or Rangers could OS Barzal. The Isles should lock him up as soon as possible

Kucherov is underpaid we all know this don’t use his contract as an example

I wouldn't want 10 x 5, but on a 7-8 year deal? Sign me up.

Guerin probably wouldn't offersheet one of Lou's players and the rangers can't afford to OS him more than 8-8.5 mill with all their bonuses from ELC's

Ummm he’s worth 8 max, his rookie season was great but I’m not giving 10 a year to a guy who hasn’t topped 90

The only reason he doesn't put up 85-90 pts is because of trotz system.

Kucherov and Stone also got less state tax to pay

I didn’t even wanna get into that cause people on this site seems to refuse to acknowledge it’s a competitive advantage

Rangers could dump Brendan Smith to get around 10 mil to offer sheet Barzal. Why wouldn't Guerin OS Lou's players? Their #1 center right now is Marcus Johansson

If I’m Lou Lamoriello i point to that then compare him to Point .88ppg Barzal .88 ppg and point got 6.75

I’m pretty sure guerin and Lou are close - the rangers would have to give up a significant asset to get rid of smith and the isles wouldn’t have to move anyone to match a 10 mill OS

Maybe, but I’m still not shelling out for what could be.

Do you think Barzal could pull a PLD and request a trade, not being happy in Trotz's defensive system?

For two reasons.

1) Guerin is on record saying he dislikes offer sheets, because they harm a GM's relationship with that organization. They would never be able to work with them again.

Plus.... you don't piss off Lou Freakin' Lamoriello.

2) As any good GM understands. Relationships are key, and the primary weapon of any competent general manager.

Are you saying Lou is to stupid to make the argument do you want every dime or cups?

Overpay for this year but will be a good contract in 2-3 years

I highly doubt it. I’m sure he wants more offensive freedom (and I actually think there will end up being a comprise between him and trotz to let him take more risks) but the pros outweigh the cons. Even if he did request a trade , I don’t think the isles would move him. The owners aren’t opening up a new arena next season without barzal , they’d lose a ton of money

Moral of the story? I wouldn’t be worried about anything drastic if I was an #Isles fan (missing games, being moved, etc.). I’d be rooting for a long-term deal but as the days go by, that becomes less and less likely this cycle

— NHL Rumors (@NHLRumorsDaily) January 4, 2021