Doubt Cat signs for less than 9

..

Cat may not sign for less than 9 mil, but I think PD will play hardball and just say, "here it is - take it or take the trade" (which may be to Winnipeg or wherever). If Cat wants they 9, Sens prolly can't afford him unless they know the cap is going up in the next few years (rumours are saying it is).

He's worth 9+ so playing hardball is just foolish. You aren't going to get another DeBrincat from another team if you trade him. Pay the 9 and move out Joseph. Done

Paying Cat $9m is cap suicide. You would hope that $8m would be good enough hoping that he would like to stay and play with this core of players. Cat is a great player however more important than Stutzle and Tkachuk he is not. $8 million max or make the trade PD.

Cats cap hit is not relatable at all to those players. They both signed long term off their ELC. Cat is going into his 3rd contract. This is much more similar to Matty Tkachuk, Point, and Barzal.
Its also not cap suicide at all considering its only a difference of ~1M and thr caps going to jump 4M in a year.