LAKINGSFAN
Active Member
Dont get me wrong, these guys deserve the money IMO. I just think that winning is more important than the extra money. Money will come with endorsements etc (especially here in LA),. Maybe I just have a different mind frame.I'm sure it does, and some players do (look at Kevin Labanc for SJ, 2018-19 17/39/56 -1, 2019-20 14/19/33 -33. Took a $1 million deal off a $925,000 RFA contract after 56 points and had a very subpar year after. SJ gave him a 4 years/$18.9 million/$4.725 million AAV deal, which isn't chump change, but had he taken a higher deal in 2019 he is making a lot more than that. 55-60 point guys make between $5-6 million generally if not more depending on free agency status) but an elite player is not going to do that.
On the flip side of the $11 million, the Kings gave him an 8 year/$56 million deal in 2011 and he won 2 Cups, won a Norris (and was a nominee a few other times as well) and 5 ASG appearances. They got a ton of value from that annual $7 million AAV. The same could be said for Kopitar too who won 2 Cups, a Selke, a Lady Byng and 3 ASG appearances under that 7 years/$47.6 million/$6.8 million AAV
and already a Selke and a Hart nomination under the new more expensive deal. The Kings got exceptional value out of those guys who were underpaid for what they delivered.
I'm on board with you that these contracts are ridiculous, especially the $10+ million ones, but unfortunately that is the business of hockey.
I look at Tom Brady, the GOAT and for years he took less money so the extra money could go elsewhere. I know i know, he also has a super model wife that makes more than he does but still. LOL