Absolutely, he's a player for sure. But 80 games is 80 games, definitely a bold move, but I guess it is a double edged sword, if Klefbom does reach his potential than he will want more money, so it could be a worthwhile gamble
I take it you wouldn't be comfortable giving Johnny an extension now, and would rather risk him
winning the Art Ross and Hart this year and signing him right after that? It's a calculated risk. Maybe it fails, maybe it doesn't. Obviously I'm talking in hyperbole but I honestly do wonder what the cost of signing Johnny after an 80-90 point season would be. And that kind of season for Johnny would also mean a likely 40-50 goal season for Monahan.
If you see things about a player's game that might lead to them getting money you can't afford, there's some argument to be made that you should act on them before they become a reality. The Habs saw that with PK Subban's bridge deal backfiring on them. We even saw it with Bouma's bridge deal.
There's no right way, and there's no wrong way. Management just have to trust their eyes watching these players in practice, in-game, etc.
Personally, I think the Oilers made the prudent move. The risk isn't really that high, there are plenty of #4s making that kind of money - maybe not term but if the likely scenario for Klefbom is Johnny Oduya, that's not too bad.
I hope we do the same with Johnny and Monny and get them inked up before the season starts. I don't want to be rooting against them having career years.