Why, if you're going to totally suck? Why get him one year closer to UFA?
Sure, it's in the team's self interest to get the player signed and not burn the 1st year if they don't need to.
It's usually in the players self interest to burn that first year.
So the question is; who compromises? And is either side willing to use their leverage to get their way?
It's a mixed bag:
Makar and McAvoy both signed after their 2nd college season and burned the first year. But they also contributed in the playoffs.
Werenski signed and played in the AHL after his college season.
Quinn Hughes signed after his college season and burned the 1st year (no playoffs).