I've softened my stance on Subban but still don't consider myself a big fan of his, and while I cheered on the Habs against the Bees and Rags in the playoffs, I'd hardly say I'm a Habs fan. That said, I don't see this situation as anything positive. Sorry, I don't need another fanbase to experience anguish and despair for me to have a good day.
Well, maybe Leafs Nation, but that's different.
Anyhow, if you read Elliotte's latest it certainly sounds like Subban wanted $8.5M and the Habs were offering $6.5M, using Karlsson as a comparable. If Subban expects anyone to think he is the best defenseman in the league at the tender age of 26 or whatever he is, then he is slightly delusional. But if he wants to argue he's in the top-five I'll listen to the argument. But just because you have the highest salary does not mean you are the best given where the cap is and where it is going. The last guy to sign will always have a higher ceiling simply because of the moving cap. So if the Habs think he's comparable to Karlsson, then they need to take that $6.5M and slide up relative to where the cap is going to be, and not necessarily at the start of the contract.
If this ends up being a one-year arbitration-awarded contract then this will be bad all around, whether he ends up in Montreal or elsewhere. Situations like this are what lead to record arbitration awards, record contracts and rising ticket prices and, eventually, another lockout. Contracts like Karlsson's are what keeps things slightly more sane.
Well, maybe Leafs Nation, but that's different.
Anyhow, if you read Elliotte's latest it certainly sounds like Subban wanted $8.5M and the Habs were offering $6.5M, using Karlsson as a comparable. If Subban expects anyone to think he is the best defenseman in the league at the tender age of 26 or whatever he is, then he is slightly delusional. But if he wants to argue he's in the top-five I'll listen to the argument. But just because you have the highest salary does not mean you are the best given where the cap is and where it is going. The last guy to sign will always have a higher ceiling simply because of the moving cap. So if the Habs think he's comparable to Karlsson, then they need to take that $6.5M and slide up relative to where the cap is going to be, and not necessarily at the start of the contract.
If this ends up being a one-year arbitration-awarded contract then this will be bad all around, whether he ends up in Montreal or elsewhere. Situations like this are what lead to record arbitration awards, record contracts and rising ticket prices and, eventually, another lockout. Contracts like Karlsson's are what keeps things slightly more sane.