Max 9 but I don't think it will take that. He started with McAvoy no way I give him his original ask My ideal contract for him has been 6/50 which is about 8.3. With the way the offers seem to be 8.25-8.5 has to get it done at this point. I am also on record saying the Bruins have tried harder recently to get a deal locked down then Gross has IMO. I have zero interest in a 4 year deal selfishly because I have no interest in giving him 8 years after. 8 years now locks up 25-33 which should be his prime years. My thing with players is I will never begrudge what they feel their worth is or value. It's not my fight. Also if he is at 9 say and firm you do what you need to do as an organization with him. I would cave but I respect their position not too as an 8/66 contract would be a new way to do business with the younger goalies.....the new Hellebuycks, Saros and Oettinger later would no longer have to sign a bridge deal. The better young defensemen and forwards skip that part and I think goalies should too.
This also has alot to do where I feel the team is. I truly believe with Swayman in house they are a legit SC contender. They have added guys and ready to role, I look at this as a new window, like 08-14 and then 15-23...the new core should be Pasta, Mac, Swayman and Carlo leading the way. Flanked with vets like Marchand, Elias, Coyle, Hampus and Zadorov is a perfect mix IMO. Add in guys like Poitras and Lohrei and honestly you're going to be good for a long time, which is why I put so much value on Swayman and what he means. I DO NOT want to be chasing goalies every year like LA or Colorado...
