I mean.. the Mittelstadt camp was definitely asking more than 7M for a 6-8 year long contract. I have zero doubts about that after seeing this deal. Cap is going to rise quickly in the next few years and he is a 60+ pts guy who is very good on both ends of the ice. He can ask that kind of contract long term without being unreasonable at all. Good 2C is going to cost 7M+ very soon. Heck, those might already.
I totally get the three years from Casey's side and if Avs were afraid of an offer sheet or going to arbitration, their backs were against the wall. It this was something like 5,25M x 3yrs it would a big steal IMO. Now it's a fair contract for everyone.
This contract isn't a plus or a minus for Cmac. I don't think there was much he could do.