I'd be fine with either of those deals and I have a feeling Gio's camp wouldn't be completely opposed, and that's sorta what I expect to see. I just do not understand all of the regression worry. I know it's desirable for the cap situation to work out perfectly and have zero cap burden, but that's never going to happen. With a few tweaks, this team can be a contender in the next few years for a decent stretch of time. Gio is the most important player on this team and we'll need him during that stretch if we want to win, whether he puts up 40 or 60 pts. And taking the risk of paying him until he is 38-40 is completely necessary. I really hope we can in fact retain the top 4 of Gio Brodie Hamilton Russell for a long time. Once Wideman's contract comes off the books, I feel that top 4 is solid heading into a stretch where we can contend, in combination with some of our defensive prospects taking a step.
Again, with Gio's playing style, he keeps the game very simple. Works hard in the D zone, not overly physical but battles hard. Makes a good breakout pass. Good skater but doesn't have to rely on that completely. Not a completely powerful shot but shoots for screens very effectively. I would predict Gio sorta playing like a Beauchemin type when he enters his late 30s and Id be fine with that. Although Beauchemin is only 35 now I think.
