I understand everything you've mentioned here. But i still don't see how such a deal for Dahlin makes sense when it's out of whack with literally every other player in the league except Matthews.
I don't think you do. Maybe I didn't explain it well enough.
The economics of the league are back on track, maybe even a bit better, than pre pandemic. That means someone like Dahlin could try to push for a deal on par with what Doughy/Karlsson got 4/5 years ago. Maybe an 8x12 deal. If that is case, a 4 or 5yr deal at 11mil per would be taking less on a shorter deal. I have no idea if that's going on but it's in the realm of possibility.
How is a 4x11mil deal out of whack with the league? It would only be the 4th highest cap hit of deals signed this offseason. Behind Matthews 13.25mil, Mackinnon 12.6mil and Pasta 11.25mil. Whether you think he warrants that pay or not, it would seem pretty much in line with other elite players.
If it does end up playing out like this - then Toronto/Matthews are 100% to blame for resetting the market.
No, they're not. Mid-term length (4-6yrs) deals have been a thing for some time in the NHL. Hell, it's not even Matthews first one. He signed a 5yr deal 4 yrs. ago that set him up as a free agent when it expired. Which makes his situation a little different than Dahlin's.
And I'll (still) be angry at Adams for i) not signing Dahlin for max term coming off his ELC ii) not ensuring a long term deal was done before Matthews got his extension.
Be as angry as you want but players have a say in these things. This seems to be ignored by many. GMs can't force a player to sign a team friendly deal.