Quoting: Bf3351
Walker hasn't earned himself that kind of money yet. I'm hoping it's something like 1.5/1.75 for 3 or 4 years.
Quoting: kinghv93
I’m hoping for that kind of money too. I think he’s played well enough to ask for the 2 million range without coming across as unreasonable. With Matt Roy developing nicely, I don’t think there’s any urgency to lock down Walker for a lot of term.
I don't agree. I have him at $2.5+ million on his next contract. Especially with the Kings lacking in defensive experience, Walker is the only other defenseman besides Doughty on the Kings that has played well enough to deserve a top 4 spot. RHD help in the form of Spence and Durzi are still 3-4 years away from the NHL, and they're not going to make a big free agent splash. Roy is a quality 3RD option, but I don't see him ever breaking into the top four.
As for term, don't forget that he's currently 25 years old. Anything longer than a one-year extension takes him to unrestricted free agency. If they give him 2-3 years now, and he plays himself into a top 4 spot, they're going to have to give him a bigger contract when that one ends or risk losing him to the UFA market. If they lock him up longer, they can keep him on the team at a reasonable salary.
I'd give him $2½ million for 5-6 years.