Quoting: Db1899
I said I wanted a long term deal, Lou is arguably the worst GM in the NHL so you can’t expect him to be forward thinking. He’d rather give long term term deals to 4th line scrubs.
You can’t say Dobson wouldn’t accept at all costs. There was a number that could have bought UFA years. That number likely would start with a 7.
Use some logic here...
Let's say they did a 8yearsx7mill instead. That's 56 mill total and he's a UFA at 30 years old. Meaning he's made 56 mill for a majority of his career and now at the tail end, maybe signing a 5-7 year deal around the same. Career totals to 112mill (being generous) and he bounced around from at least three different teams for deals
With the current deal, 3yearsx4mill 12mill total. If he plays really well and nails a 9mill deal next contract when he's 25, sign in for 8 years then it's a 72mill deal. He'll be 33. Get's lucky and signs a 3-5 year deal (let's say 5) at 5 to 7 mill (let's say 5), that's 25mill. Career totals to 109 (being conservative) while being on the same team, maybe 2.
So even with the conservative math, it's nearly a wash going the safe route. It's something both party's agree to because of this. 3 years at 4 mill is an amazing deal especially since they still retain his rights in his prime. Lou basically guaranteed we have a cost controlled Dobson in his prime and beyond. If you like Dobson that much you should be happy.
Also, that awful GM will be in the HOF. What hall is your name in?