They vote no because it's Montreal making the signing

The post above this is 100% truth.

Montreal has cap space to spare this year, but not next year.

In the meantime, Mete could earn a substantial raise for next year.

They were better off paying him $100,000 - $300,000 more for 2+ years.

That is all true but Bergevin just pushed another free agent into next years crop:

Kotkaniemi
Gallagher
Danault
Tatar
Armia
Lehkonen
Weal
Mete
Juulsen
Poehling
Backup-G

Most of the veteran core could be lost to free agency if young guys earn moderate raises.
Especially since all the vets will now be expecting the 7-year Josh Anderson special.

I don't see him being anything more than the 7th defensemen next year.

Chiarot
Edmundson
Mete
Romanov
Kulak

You're gonna want to watch Edmundson play for a while first.

I'm pretty sure Alzner is his cousin.

Kicked the can down the line.

I thought he would get more so great job Montreal. At least you don’t **** everything up. Apparently this site censors people good to know

This is the only move I Bergevin has done that I actually like in a while

Well if Mete can accept this deal, there is absolutely no reason for Dermott in TOR to not do the same. Absolute win for MTL.