In this edition we share our thoughts on Sasha Barkov's long-term extension (six years, $5.9 million per) with the Florida Panthers.
Todd Cordell
I really like this deal from Florida's perspective.
Barkov is very responsible defensively and his offensive game continues to grow leaps and bounds every season.
He missed some time with injury but he's currently scoring at a 27 goal, 65 point pace on a per 82 game basis as a 20-year-old in the NHL. That's incredibly impressive.
Even if that's his absolute ceiling - and I doubt it is - $5.9 million for a 65 point guy who can play in all situations is still a good contract.
Peter Tessier While it's always easy to say that "these players are getting too much money' the fact remains that if one GM doesn't pay it another will. Barkov's deal set the market for value of any future deal a similar centre will command. It may be a touch high but Tallon obviously knew the risk if he let some one else set the market price with another player.
How the deal is structured give s glimpse as to who the Panthers see the future and project Barkov, about 7 million $ for his first UFA year and last of the deal. 2-way centres don't grow on trees and Barkov is showing he might be a future elite version and it's safe to make that gamble now and pay a bit more.
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