even if they signed him for 9 and nylander for 8 they would have still saved a mill or so and have had more term on both players.
I don't think Nylander would take 8 if Marner was given 9 last year, and even if we go by those unsubstantiated numbers that make no sense, that would have massively screwed up negotiations with the rest of our RFAs and most importantly Matthews, our franchise and most important player who was
miles ahead of either at that point. And all of you would have been on these boards blasting Dubas even more than you already do for overpaying his young stars based on unproven potential.
You're also speaking about this with 100% hindsight, without acknowledging the
massive risk that would have been. The Leafs have the best roster they have had in decades with their core locked up for years, including some of the best players this franchise has ever seen about to enter their prime, and you're complaining about not giving blind over-payments a year ago that could have
actually derailed this team's future.