Say what?
What do you think he's worth exactly?
He's currently a legit N.1 defenseman, approaching the league wide top 15. He still has a lot of room to grow, too. In his prime, he'll be a defenseman able to deliver seasons above 40 points on a consistent basis, while playing a dominating physical game and an above average defensive play. Hell, Norris contention is not out of question when he is at his peak. If PK is looking at a longterm contract (5+ seasons) and he's asking you 5.5M, YOU GIVE HIM 5,5M! If Bergevin absolutely wants his bridge contract of 2 years, he's worth at least 4,5M.
Let's be reality here, Gorges got nearly 4M a year and we just signed a 4th liner to 2,5M for the next 4 years. How the hell do you expect Subban to just cave in and take a contract a la MDZ? He knows he's worth more than that and SHOULD get more than that. I'll repeat it, Subban is a star defenseman that has the upside to reach superstar status. There's no time arguing over half-millions and if PK wants absolutely no part of a bridge contract, just give him the longest possible term and give him his pay day.
The longer this drags out, the worse it will be for the team. Subban is becoming a distraction right now, while he should be on the ice with his teammates. We don't know for sure what's happening in the negotiations right now, but from what we've heard, the person I'd fault for what's happening is Bergevin.