Raccoon Jesus
We were right there
I wonder if people’s opinions would change if it comes out that Vilardi wanted to get every dime he could get out of his next contract (which would not be surprising or unreasonable considering his injury history)
Trevor Moore had a career year in 21/22, scoring at 49 point pace and turned it into a contract that most of the fanbase now thinks is excessive. Gabe Vilardi also had what has so far been his best season as a pro (a 53 point pace) and like Moore is probably trying to get paid big. We will have to see if Vilardi grows on that and takes another step, levels out at what he was last year or goes back to how he previously played in the NHL.
The idea that it made any sense for Vilardi to "take a bridge deal", "give a hometown discount" , "give a team friendly deal" , "bet on himself" never made any sense at all.
Don't at all blame Gabe for asking for security or money commensurate with production
Don't at all blame the Kings either for trying to sell him on a "mikey" show-me deal given his history
So seems like the parties were at an impasse that's carried over to Winnipeg too
Don't blame Gabe at all for being upset--dude always did wear his heart on his sleeve--and don't really blame the Kings for feeling a little grumpy given how much they had invested in him