If they both repeat their scoring this season, I think Mantha & Athanasiou would require at least $1M more per season to get the deal done. I also think that I DRW has $16-$18M in cap space at that point, they will try to make a trade / sign someone to get better down the middle. One of those guys could be a piece in that move.

I agree with both of you. Now what if they are able to sign one before the season starts this offseason?

Wishful thinking. They're both getting around 6.50 mil.

I was thinking it would mostly likely be Bertuzzi and maybe $5M.

If they want 6.5 it will be shorter term and they'll have to outplay Larks. Both players are below Larks in talent and will. 5.75...even 6, over 8 years is a great deal for both AA and Mantha and the team for what they provide around the 25-30 goal range. Unless the both take massive steps this year and become 40 goal scorers, I don't see them getting 6.5 for 8 years.

Most likely they will be short term deals. Around 5 years. You have to also consider contract are not based on team signing but at an NHL level. Since cap has increased players are asking for more. Just because Larkin is the best on the team doesn’t mean he will always be making the most. Most likely Mantha and AA will be above 6.5 assuming they have a decent year. I can see Burt not getting more then 4 or it will be short term because he may get moved out of top line next year. And his production will decrease.

At this point it would be stupid to split up that first line they had real chemistry. Detroit has been grooming Tyler to be a Red Wing since his uncle Todd started playing for the Wings. He plays like a grinder with top 6 hands and a knack for finding the back of the net in close. Similar to Homer and Dino. So if Detroit gives him extra and locks him down for a while I have no problems with that.

if AA scores 30 goals again then he gets over 6 million. Mantha is another matter. He is so inconsistent and unless he puts out a consistent 82 games i think that he gets under 6 million. i dont think either gets 8 year deals. Theyre good players but not elite.