Quoting: Sebahhh
I dont think a single person on this Earth believed that the Canes wouldn't match that offer. Also, if you're going to adjust for income tax you need to adjust for the hockey market. Hockey is probably the fourth or fifth most popular professional sport in Florida, as you can tell by attendance (Panthers had an empty stadium all year, Tampa had fans out of nowhere because they were dominant last season). Marner easily makes up that same 2M difference in brand deals. He gets between 9 and 10.
The offersheet works for all parties involved in the aho scenario though. Montreal only gives up 1,2,3 if canes didnt match or they get a 21 year old number 1 center for a 1,2,3. Aho gets a ton of money in signing bonuses so if there is a lockout he still gets paid. He also becomes a UFA at end of deal and can leave to go to montreal for even more money at that time if he keeps up production. Canes match get a high quality up and coming player at 3m less than what matthews just signed for last year and get a 5 year window to either convince aho to stay longer term or try and win a cup around him in the next 5 years.