Quoting: dgibb10
Which part is incorrect? Are you denying the fact that all 32 teams had the opportunity to sign Ryan Graves this offseason for 4.5 million (or more if they valued him as such), if they wished without giving up any assets.
Are you denying graves struggles this year?
Are you denying graves 12 team NTC that would prevent a number of potential suitors from acquiring him at all?
Your general thought-process is wrong. I'm not sure why you're asking weird questions. I completely stated earlier that Graves has not been a good fit. Every situation with a player is different on why they may be on the outs with their respective teams, but you're treating this like some kind of math equation and that's now how this goes down.
Yes, the clause affects things, but it only limits the teams they can negotiate with and the leverage they have in the type of return they can get, which is why I stated in a situation like with Graves, the likely scenario is this...
1) They get a low return on a team who will take him, i.e. maybe they get a 4th.
2) They may have to take a contract back with a player in a similar situation, i.e. let's say VAN is interested. You could see a trade, maybe even straight up for Mikheyev.
Now, as i stated a few times already, if Graves just completely year 2 of his contract and he's been bad in both his years of this contract? Then yes, the Pens would likely either have to tack on a pick/prospect to move him or possibly retain.