Why is Wennberg worth so much less coming off his ELC than Jones or Saad? If he is shortchanged in this contract, he'll be arbribration eligible for one year and then a UFA. If CBJ truly thinks he is a # 1 centre. I would wrap him up for six years, and closer to # 1 centre price.

Pretty simple answer actually. Jarmo never gives out long term deals to core players unless that player was part of a major trade (Jones/Saad). Just look at Atkinson, Jenner, Murray, etc.

It makes sense bridging Wennberg considering they're going to have to pay Atkinson the following year as well as Werenski's raise. It's important to maximize the team's control of their young assets, rather than give them long term deals straight out of their ELCs.

Jarmo, never gives out long term deals to core players unless part of a major trade? Pretty discouraging club policy for any player drafted by CBJ. You may force Wenneberg into a bridge deal, but really he doesn't really care about Atkinson's and Werenski's upcoming raises. Your number one centre making the about 10th most salary on his team in his second contract. He'll be asking for a trade soon.

I mean it's just a general truth re: the CBA. RFA's coming off their ELCs don't have much leverage when it comes to salary demands.

That's curious logic because Saad and Jones were signed coming off their ELCs. I don't think it's because they were traded to CBJ, I think it's because they are better players than Jenner, Murray, and (before his breakout this year) Atkinson.

Wennberg will get a long-term deal not a bridge. The logic behind Atkinson, Jenner, and Murray's deals are that they are still widely unproven. Wennberg on the otherhand, has improved each season doubling his point totals each season. The best move is to go long-term with a 5 to 5.5 mil AAV for six years.

It's just good GMing. They are tied up in enough big, long-term deals already. Wennberg has shown growth, sure, but I don't think he has cemented himself as a legit 1C in this league yet. A bridge deal makes sense, then if he preforms for three more years they back up the Brinks truck. This is not a new strategy, and Columbus is certainly not the first or only team in the league to do this. It gives the team more time to ensure they are not overpaying a young player after one good season.



Atkinson is on his third contract, not second, which is a massive difference in the NHL. Jones and Saad were on a different level than Wennberg when they signed their deals. Wennberg will get a deal comparable to Johansen - 3 years @ $4m AAV.