Why even take the risk of breaking anything with Laine right now? He just came off his worst season, if you will eventually pay him +$8M, why not bridge him for 2-3 years at $6.5 first? Thenhe can get his big deal at time when the Jets can better afford it, post Little-Buff contracts

The issue with this is if you bridge him and he grows to what he's supposed to be, he won't be getting 8.5m a year. He'll be asking for 10+

Paying him fair value after he develops to be worth it seems fine to me. At $8.5/8 you're saving $2.5 - 3 M per year from this full potential deal. Worst case scenario, he stays a streaky 30 goal, 50-60 point guy, and that contract is an albatross.

But, its all speculation in the end. Hope he does well. At the very least, I think he bounces back from this terrible season

dont worry, dude skates like my grandpa. luckily the kids got an F***ing rocket shot. But realistically think about 10+ after this season, the season where he held out on signing to prove himself and he does that....100% would rather have a guy like pasta (just for comparison) whos making around 6.6 AAV and whos play overall is monumentally better (granted hes very underpaid). I really dont see Laine getting close to 10