Perhaps Ferris saying to Lebrun their camp is not really interested in talking extension come July 1st is to nip-in-the-bud the leafs simply not offering an extension, at any value.
If he is sincere in not wanting to waive his NMC and playing out the year he'd better have thick skin (which we know he doesn't) or he'd better have the best season of his career by far, or he's gonna get roasted by the fans and media all season long.
A great season includes a great playoffs. He can score 120 pts with 40 goals and if he shits the bed again in the playoffs he can kiss the big raise he's expecting good-bye