He out produced Tavares last season, along with out producing most of the league. Kids a star already, he creates plays out of nothing and has been nothing but amazing his first 2 years in the league. If you watched him every game like I do you probably would see this. He's worth every penny he will be getting and he's without a doubt an elite player.
Few are doubting that. But what people are saying is that as a RFA for 5 years, the Flames don't have to cave to such a high number.
Everyone earning in the 8 million and above were upcoming UFA's. The choice was sign them, or possibly lose them for nothing. There is no fear with that with JG.
The choices "should" be....sign a long term deal at a discounted rate. That gives the player long term security, and the team a discount. Or, sign a 2-3 bridge deal at a way lower rate, and then get a bigger long term deal with UFA status looming in the near future.
Signing JG to an 8 year 8 million deal won't happen IMO. Take less long term....and when I say less I am talking 7.5 mill since a Tarasenko set the market....or take way less on a 2-3 year deal.
Personally, as I said before, if I am the Flames, I try and sign him long term now. That gives you all his prime years and let's you walk away at age 31. If you sign him to the bridge deal, that means that big contract could go to his 33/34 year old seasons where there is more risk of decline.
