A few things. 1. There is no way we even expose Atkinson let alone them picking him. Has negative value at this point. And is a core player on this team in the locker room and with the work he’s done around Columbus.
2. Tex’s contract is gonna start with a 3 or a 4 on a short term deal or a 5-6 on a long term one hes looking like a stud top 6 center.
3. (This one may be wrong factually). I believe chinakov has signed or is going to be signing an extension in Russia so he can’t come over.

Atkinson has a NTC so he can’t be exposed unless he waives it.

I would venture to say Texier will get a little more than $2M per, and a bridge deal, not a 5 year deal, as their 1/2 center.
After all, lowballing Dubois is what helped chase him out of town, among other things.

Give tex 5x5 and have Seattle take Gus instead if cam imo

Only NMC have to be protected. NTC does not protect him from getting exposed.

First, the Jackets need to do what is best for the team going forward. Looking in the near future Chinakhov (who is not signed past this year) is on track to come over maybe as soon as April. Then there is Marchenko. With Bjorkstrand signed long term RW is getting very crowded and one respects what Atkinson has been in the past but his play right now is not worth over 5 mil per season. As far as Texier is concerned I may have undersold him but the point is he will get taken care of. But back to the Russians, Chinakhov gains nothing by staying there. The NHL is going to be sending players to the Olympics next year. Gavrikov would not have signed a two year extension in the KHL if it hadn’t been for his desire to be in the Olympics. If he wants to start making more money he is best served to come over here as quick as possible to start making it.

Right but we’re not getting g rid of Atkinson for nothing. He’s IMO a first plus to move. China may not be ready but that’s up to interpretation.

Ah, my bad. Thanks for clarifying.

Not really. Considering the pool in which we give Seattle to choose from Atkinson would be appealing. Remember Seattle has to reach the cap floor and they also must get players that can contribute now and the future. Atkinson also would be a veteran voice that they may sorely need.

Right but why take on a deal that goes for another 4-5 years when he is already on the other side of 30. There will be plenty of better contracts with shorter term to take compared to Atkinson.

Because Seattle is not going to get a lot of sweet deals like Vegas got. Most teams prepared better for this. Seattle is going to get some good players but it will be vital for them to get players who can contribute.