Value of: Joe Thornton, potential contract.

[Willy Stylez]

Nah, would go 1 year.

 

[Riptide]

For guys his age, I think the only thing that makes sense is 1-year deals. Players sometime fall off a cliff, or have nagging injuries that kill their efficiency (without being on the LTIR either).

Yes, that happens to great players like Marleau, sure. Not to superstars like Joe Thornton. I would happily sign him to a three year deal.

Age happens to everyone and it doesn't limit themselves to how good those players are (or are not). The effect age has on a player varies greatly from player to player, and there's really no way to know what that effect will be or when it will happen. I mean you can already see Marleau slowing down slightly from 2-3 years ago. Thornton is still going strong... but damn, 3 years at 38 yrs old? That's a hell of a risk.

Much smarter move to keep things to 1 year deals. Cap hit might be slightly higher, but there's no risk there.