With those lesser guys, they might be taking less because they get to play with a guy like Draisaitl. It might support a narrative of everyone playing for less, but it also supports a narrative of the top guys getting big money and the lesser guys taking less to make that work.
I still say a fundamental problem here is that we have a big three of contracts: Draisaitl, Bouchard, and McDavid. This would all be much smoother if McDavid could sign now too. I do think these three are discussing their cash strategy and how leaving money on the table so that part of the salary will be in extra playoff wins. How much cash do you trade for that.
This last playoff run helped this a ton. There was that story that the faith of the players in Toronto that their team will win it all is shaken, and it makes sense when you see the Matthews and Nylander deals
What we see Drai get will decide if there is a distinction there
Whatever the case is yes I'm probably dreaming for 11.4-12.5 million. After the decade of darkness, just want our team to be very good year after year but have a feeling if all these projections for Drai/McD/Bouch come to fruition think our cup window will be smaller as a result. 50% of the cap between 4 players, just not enough pie for everyone else so they will be playing with plugs.
Like it or not Cats are doing well and will continue to be highly competitive. All their guys are 10 million and under, almost all their players contracts end while they are still young enough. Every year they can compete and add depth given the above.
I look at the Leafs with Tavares and AM, two huge contracts in 2018, team has barely won one playoff round.
Looking at the Hawks after Toews and Kane got paid, decent team but no playoff round win and a steady decline since.
Don't think we will be able to afford much depth once McD's contract kicks in. So this leave us next season and the following season to get a cup. After that who knows where the cap will be. But should not be far off from 50% of the cap going to 4 players. Just does not sound like a winning recipe to me. By then lots of players out of their prime with many contracts going into the mid late 30's.