He would have signed a one or two year deal? Really? How do YOU know that.
He went for term in his last deal. He’s doing so again on this one. Seems obvious he wants term.
I know because of logic and common sense. Do the math.
Look at the state of the league. The cap isn’t moving and teams are up against it.
One of the greatest Defenseman of all time and 15 year captain Chara just signed a 1 year deal with another team for $750k + $750k in bonuses. He’s still a top6 defenseman and has Stanley cup and tons of leadership and experience.
Corey Perry 1yr $750k
Carl Sodarberg 1yr $1mil
Derik Brassard 1yr $1mil
Connor Sheary 1yr $735k
Michael Frolik 1yr $750k
Anthony Duclair 1yr $1.7mil young top9 winger who was on pace for 30 goals last year.
Micheal Grandlund 1yr $3.5mil
Eric Haula 1yr $1.75mil
Bogosian 1yr $1mil. Right handed shot defensman who played good in the playoffs and won a cup.
Galchenyuk 1yr $1mil
Vessey 1yr $900k
Taylor Hall. An elite MVP Winger in his prime as a UFA 1yr $8million.
Last offseason he would have gotten 7years $9+ million from someone.
You see the trend? Who was going to outbid or offer more than that for Martin?
Then add on this. Martin Loves being an island. He’s had success here and actually plays. When he left as a UFa last time he was a healthy scratch a lot. His wife and her entire family are on Long Island. They have a child who is less than a year old. With Covid so many things are uncertain and I highly doubt with everything considered Martin wanted to pack up and leave Long Island again.
If you add everything together it makes sense. Maybe the isles want to lock him up and make him feel secure. I don’t mind the AAV even though I think he would have gladly taken $1mil per but the 4 years to me is just unnecessary. it’s not going to hurt us or prevent us from anything and the contract is easy to bury if needed. I just don’t understand why 4years. The isles were bidding against themselves.
If you tell me about loyalty and rewarding a good soldier that’s fine but don’t expect to build a legit cup contender that way just rewarding guys because they’re good guys. You can be loyal and disciplined at the same time.