Dreger made it public yesterday Hamilton wants between 8-9... why would he take FAR less to play in a major market (which he's publicly said he dislikes) for a team that's going to throw loads off pressure defensively on him?

I think if the leafs offered 7x7.5-8M they potentially could do it. As a franchise they have money. They could do what they did with Matthews and I believe Tavares and make the majority of his contract a signing bonus. This way Dougie gets guaranteed money every year. Other than this I can't see him signing with the Leafs.

Signing bonus still puts the AAV lower than he wants/ He also doesn't like playing in major markets

Also in a market with one of the highest tax brackets in the league so he's actually getting even less.