Alzner gets north of $5 million AAV (maybe close to $6m) as an FA.

Why does everyone think Hanzal is going to be such an upgrade on Plekanec? Look at their career numbers and style of play, I just don't see any improvement and with this thread specifically: Hanzal at 5 mil for that long seriously threatens resigning Price (he will command 10 million).

ok..ok.......ok..........................ok.........................................OK.


WHY ON EARTH WOULD MONTREAL SIGN HANZAL FOR 6 YEARS. ..............6 YEARS. .....AT 5 MILL.

WHY?........

Overpayment: Hanzal (years and money), Radulov (money)
Underpayment: Beaulieu (years and money), Andrighetto (years and money)

I agree with the general sentiment here about Hanzal but as bad as it may seem, its not that far off.

He'll be one of the most sought after players in free agency which will raise his price. Also remember, he's playing on a bad Arizona team. Give this guy regular minutes in MTL and he'd have a couple 50 pt seasons.

Also have to look at skill sets and demand. How often does a 6'6 center capable of playing both ends of the ice and producing decent numbers for a bad team come along? Free agency by default prices players more then what they are generally considered to be worth. That's just how it works. Does Danny Dekeyser deserve 5X6? Probably not but since there at least a half dozen teams who really need a top 4 dman, they'll pay for his services even if it means overpaying. Another factor is comparables. Look at what Anisimov got. Hanzal compares pretty well to Anisimov before his great chemistry with Panarin and Kane.

If we lose Plekanec, I have no problem whatsoever paying Hanzal 5M even if its a long term deal like that. He's 29 so we'll get some good usage out of him before he starts to decline by the last year of his contract. By that time, 5M will be paid out 3rd liners anyway with the way salaries are inflated.