Your last eight words said it all.
Personally, I wouldn't mind if Jake stayed in Boston, I just don't want to overpay for what he brings on a nightly basis. I'm sure Sweeney has a number in mind. I'm also sure Sweeney is looking at his current wingers and trying to project 2, 3, or 4 years down the line. How much longer will Marchand play. Who does he feel he could sign in FA or aquire in a trade. I'm sue it's all being taken into consideration.
For my liking anything 5.5 and under would be fine.
I have no doubt DeBrusk could get more the open market, but the question is where?
He comes from a team with a winning culture. How many teams with cap space and the need for a winger of Jake's skill set have the cap space? Pittsburgh has been mentioned and short term that might work for him, but in the next few years their top 2 centers will be retiring ... then what? I wounder how much say the player actually has in where he goes as opposed to his agent just looking for the greatest payday. I'm sure he could get more money in a place like Utah, but they may be a middling middle of the pack team for years. If he was willing to take a contract similar to the one I suggested (5.5 or less to stay in Boston) then Edmonton might be intriguing.
A lot of potential in different scenarios and as I said the team with the greatest need and space will overpay or offer to overpay for his services.
I am just a fan. I don't know what Sweeney thinks nor Jake. I also don't know what teams would or could be interested and more how much they are willing to pay for DeBrusk. But one thing is sure, alot of money were given to players thru the years and some GM do have the pencil less tighten. And on an open market, his value could (not saying it will), be higher than some think. Jake is a good hockey player.
More, IMO, Jake on a 6 years deal, needs to take a home discount (to lesser expectation and pressure) here or Sweeney needs to come out with a great contract with not to much restrictive clause (or he could have a grenade in his barn).
Look at this thread, Jake Debrusk is not for the Boston fans a unanimous choice, even if he takes a home discount.
If I was him (which I am not), I go on the open market and do not resign in Boston and IMO if Boston signs Debrusk the numbers will be low or w/o to much restrictive clause.
But Hey, I am no one, so I might be wrong.