What reasoning do you have that it's a bad contract for him to sign?! Pitlick who was twice as proven as Rattie signed 3X1M. And you think it'd be sooooo detrimental for barely-an-NHLer Rattie to sign 3x950K? Are you kidding me?
More proven? I don't see that.
Pitlick last year - 25 years old, former 31st pick overall, 58 NHL games, 11 G, 3 A, 10 PIM, and ton of IR time. AHL stats - 28G, 57A, 85 in 196 games
Rattie this year - 25 years old, former 32nd pick overall, 48 NHL games, 9 G, 10 A, 8 PIM. AHL stats - 92 G, 92 A, 184 points in 268 games.
They are pretty much the same player stats and pedigree-wise in the NHL, and Rattie's AHL offense is significantly better. But the personal circumstances are where things take a different turn.
Pitlick signed his knowing he's a likely 3rd or 4th liner where another injury likely results in no further NHL contracts. Security looks really good here.
Rattie is signing his knowing he has a chance to play with the game's best player for at least some games next year, but if it doesn't work out his pedigree still likely gets him one more contract (even it is only a two way).
Very different circumstances. I just can't see Rattie signing the Pitlick contract as the potential payoff far outweighs the "security" in his circumstance.
I like the signing, if he plays well next year, we likely flip him into an RFA and then we can make the decision next year. If he fails, he'll just be a UFA and we can easily hide his cap next year.