Some Buffalo fans thinking he was gonna sign his QO, or close to his qualifying offer, because of Robertson and or Berggren, were living in an alternate reality.
The problem is, there’s competitive players on the market. Those weren’t it. Players other teams have maybe even overpaid, expecting a bump in production. At 23, he was always gonna come in between $1.3-$1.8 somewhere.
I’d heard $1.7ish all summer long. So I thought he came in a little low, but he’s the one RFA who needed to make sure he was in camp when it opened, and needed to make sure any arbitration rights next summer, wouldn’t get in the way of other teams taking a shot on him, if Buffalo decides to move in another direction.
The teams have all the leverage with these RFAs, but unless his name is Formenton, So holding out for $1.7ish just wasn’t in the cards. He’s fighting for his job, and needs to impress everyone watching. Including other teams.
Out of all the summer long RFAs, he’s the one I’d heard, would’ve preferred a change of scenery. Coming in where he did on his AAV actually makes him a little more attractive for a team, with the 2nd year locked in as well.
We’ll see how camp goes, but they’ve got some other options as well.
Nick Robertson
Age 23 born September 11 2001, 14 goals 13 assists 27 points 56 games 875K cap hit.
Peyton Krebs age 23, born January 26 2001, 4 goals 13 assists 17 points in 80 games.
Why is Krebs getting a dime over 875K?
He's older, played more games and scored less
Hell Ryan Reaves scored as many goals in 31 fewer games and he makes 100K less.
Again Why is Peyton Krebs getting a dime over 875K?
Because he’s a better hockey player than Robertson, who can’t play C in the NHL at 23 years old, or give an NHL team consistent play yet.
Same reason Krebs is getting more money than Berggren who’s been a better offensive player than both of them.
It’s really that simple.
Teams are always more willing to pay under 25 Cs more money, because there’s always a better chance they’ll be consistent NHL players from 25-33, and point production will usually continue to rise with experience and maturity.
Krebs simply does more for an NHL team than Robertson does. Nobody should’ve been surprised if he came in at $1.7ish..
There’s guys in the same situation (or similar at contract time) making around $2 million. McLeod was a 23 point player when he was given his $2.1 million. Joe Veleno was just given $2.2 million after a 28 point season. These guys are consistent NHL players already, even when they’re not putting up points. Krebs was starting to do a lot of those same things. So he got paid more. Think it’s pretty safe to say, most now see Krebs settling into a bottom 6, 30-35 point C…
Robertson and Berggren haven’t proven near what Krebs has yet.