Speaking Moistly
What a terrible image.
Hornqvist's next deal is a really weird situation, man. On one hand, he's one of the best in the world at what he does (chaos around the net, goals in tight) and an absolute warrior who brings an energy that I really do think the team feeds off of. On the other hand, dollars and term are real significant factors. Nobody in the league takes close to the amount of abuse Hornqvist does on a shift-by-shift basis--uncalled abuse, too, so it's not something that's going to slow down or stop. His body is eventually going to wear down and he's not exactly the most skilled or quickest skater as is. Does he have a permanent spot alongside Sid, despite weird rumors of their clashes and evidence to support that in the way of Sully keeping them apart for lengths of time at important junctures? Can we afford to pay him the raise he's likely to command (probably around $6M or so, give or take $500k) for as many years as he'll be looking for (likely his final big deal, I'm sure he'll be asking for 5 or 6 years).
I love the dude. He's easily one of my favorite Penguins, but I'm not sure I just hand him a blank check.
Honestly, unless he wants something truly ridiculous just give it to him and deal with it later. His body will go when it goes but until then he’s too important to lose. He can play on L3, still spends a good amount of time with Crosby every season and is important to the PP. Never mind the whole crazy man heart and soul thing he brings.
I doubt they find another Hornqvist any time soon so they need to keep this one short of him wanting a cap f***ing amount. Odds are he'll be a force for the remaining window of being serious contenders.