GMs lie ALL THE TIME. Remember when Dubas said he was either extending with Toronto or not working in the NHL for 2023-24? One week later he signs a 7 year deal in Pittsburgh.

That’s different because that’s lieing to benefit yourself all dorion has done is make us worse and with no leverage

The only GM I've seen consistently tell the truth is Rutherford. Not even suggesting it is wise, but he is honest. Players, GMs, agents, etc. all lie 50+% of the time.

Yeah well DeBrincat isn't going to Nashville, Yzerman will get Cat signed more money less term would be my guess. 5-6 years @ $8,250,000 that's basically meeting in the middle.

GMs lie all the time.

However, I think in this case, the messaging from GMPD was that they wouldn't let teams talk to Cat without a framework of a deal in place first. Rumours are that they have such a framework in place with Detroit (and maybe NYI?), so they can negotiate with Cat now.

I have found, listening to TSN1200 daily, so hearing a lot of interviews from GMPD and dissection of his messaging, that GMPD chooses his words carefully when he wants to tip toe around something (while being the opposite when he's not, see Stone trade). It's just the fan base online will assume it means one thing, then run with that narrative (see GMPD's comments on garbage day about DJ Smith coaching next year)