Why is it unbelievable? I expect the negotiations to continue for several more days at least. Not going to get worked up about it until he starts missing games.
The idea that they aren't close is unbelievable to me. If they were apart on some details that's different.
This is a copycat league, and we all know the formula for this contract. McKenzie is one of the more reliable sources out there so him saying it's not close is a major bummer to me. That likely means one side is likely trying to get cute.
I guess the more disheartening thing is McKenzie puts Subban and Benn in the same category of not close, and the Subban rumors have indicated that could be a lengthy negotiation.
Missing a couple of days is no big deal like you said, I guess I'm just bummed and a bit pessimistic about getting from not close to not missing games.
The Stars have always played hardball with their RFAs. It's possible that Joe is still trying to get that elusive bridge contract.
What I was thinking as well. Still makes no sense with those "face of the franchise" comments, though. If he's that good and important, you pay him whatever it takes to keep him here in Dallas.
The Stars have always played hardball with their RFAs. It's possible that Joe is still trying to get that elusive bridge contract.
That's what bugs me. Play hard ball ... that's fine. It's honestly great for your team typically.
.... but how do you play hardball with a guy you label the franchise player ... over and over again. Comments like that gave his agent so much ammunition. There's no reason for him to buy any games from the Dallas Stars.
I'm not sure the Stars see a distinction there. They think Benn is great, sure, and they're not afraid to say it. They're still going to try to take advantage of his limited bargaining power.
The Stars' script is always the same... nickel and dime players under team control and err on overpaying UFA age players.
The Stars can credibly threaten to call Benn's bluff on holding out into the season I think with a healthy Roy and an improved top 6. They just need to get to a pressure point (where have we heard this before?) in negotiations.
Or he could be signed by tomorrow morning for the next 6 years, who knows.
I'm not sure the Stars see a distinction there. They think Benn is great, sure, and they're not afraid to say it. They're still going to try to take advantage of his limited bargaining power.
The Stars' script is always the same... nickel and dime players under team control and err on overpaying UFA age players.
The Stars can credibly threaten to call Benn's bluff on holding out into the season I think with a healthy Roy and an improved top 6. They just need to get to a pressure point (where have we heard this before?) in negotiations.
Or he could be signed by tomorrow morning for the next 6 years, who knows.
And I would be completely okay with that. I just want this to get done.
LeBrun has Del Zotto getting a 2 year deal which isn't exactly surprising considering his sophomore season. I think he's in a pretty similar as Niskanen a couple years ago, but at least he had the benefit of his best season coming in a contract year.
It'll be interesting to see what happens with O'Reilly. Those negotiations could be fairly similar. Benn's obviously shown more offense, but O'Reilly is 2 years young and arguably has as much potential as Benn. I think he get's less than Benn, but I guess we'll see.
Put me in the group of fans who don't really want to see GM Joe and Dallas fix the mistakes of all the other idiot GMs.
Quote:
Kelly Chase @Chasenpucks39
The Benn,Subban, contracts will dictate the direction this CBA is going and whether the GMs are going cave to players who are not UFAs again
Benn missing games is going to be a huge mistake IMO. I'd be thrilled if they figure out a way to get a bridge deal but still have him playing Jan. 19th.
On the other hand, if he misses games, and they cave and sign him to a market contract ... that's inexcusable.
If Dallas is going to play chicken, they better not be the first to blink.
Don't even understand why they would be. Just get him signed and on the ice.
I don't either, but what would be more infuriating ....
He misses games, but they get him signed to a bridge contract?
OR
He misses games, they cave, and signs the same damn contract everyone already expected him to sign?
Both situations or bad, but they better stick to their damn guns if this is going to cost games. Of course we'll never know 100%, but I imagine if a market contract was on the table this deal would be over. That's just my opinion.
