Joined: Jul. 2019
Posts: 16
Likes: 5
Can't see Thomas or Kyrou getting more than $2M in a flat cap environment until they reach arbitration eligibility. If they sign long term before that time, they'll have to sacrifice AAV. At best, they'll get $2.5-$3M on a 4-5 year deal before they reach arbitration, but it will more likely be a 1 year contract for $2M AAV for both. Army won't handcuff the team by giving them a big payday before he is forced to. If this were a rising cap environment, Thomas/Kyrou might get paid early, but those days are over for a while, especially for a team with the Cup window open. Thomas and Kyrou will simply have to wait their turn or sit out in hopes of forcing a deal. But since the Blues own their rights for several more years, they have absolutely no leverage. Sucks for them, but this is a business.
Sanford on the other hand is now due for his payday. He will get at least $3M-$4M AAV on a 3-4 year deal given his production over the past 3 years (among the top 25 producing LWs in the entire NHL at 5x5 in points per 60 since 2018-19). But if he puts up 16-17 goals this year (roughly 25 goals in a normal season), he'll get $4-$5M AAV for 3-5 years. Fans won't like it, but Sanford is a 1st line LW, and more importantly, he is a favorite of Army and Berube who plays extremely well in the Berube system.
If the Blues go deep in the playoffs, Binnington will get at least $6M - $7M AAV on a 4-5 year contract. If they reach the finals, he'll get closer to $8M.