Right, so now everybody changes their stance. Hindsight is a lovely thing. A month ago, he wasn't worth a penny over $4m(or $3.5m according to management), now we're hoping he is willing to sign a long-term contract for $5-$5.5m. It's downright hilarious, no?
People, please... yes, the Flames splooged and made an absurd offer to him. However, the rest of the league are not like the Avs. O'Reilly was going to get his $5m per from WHOEVER traded for him. Those teams would not even bother giving up assets if that contract with O'Reilly wasn't set in stone, and that was ALWAYS going to be for a minimum of $5m per. His agency never budged from that.
We can point fingers all we want, but we look like clowns right now. Management, fans, everybody. We're all changing our tunes. I don't blame us, we're a passionate fanbase, but let's call a spade a spade.