Yakupov Re-Signs with the Oilers

[BadCompany]

Aside from meaning he's probably not going to be traded (if he was ever really on the block), it also screws up Bergevin's plans with regards to Galchenyuk. Two years, $5 million for Yak. Meaning that Galchenyuk will undoubtedly be asking for more, and why shouldn't he?

Yakupov: 192 games, 42 goals, 46 assists, 88 points
Galchenyuk: 193 games, 42 goals, 62 assists, 104 points.

Any bridge deal with Galchenyuk will now have to be closer to $3 million I guess. And lest anybody be thinking Bergevin should sign him long term now, I doubt very much Galchenyuk's agent would agree to any such thing. In two years Galchenyuk could (hopefully?) be in line for a $7+ million pay day, if he develops into a point-per-game player star. No reason to lock yourself in now.

[blny]

I always expected Berg to give Alex a deal similar to the one Gallagher signed.

[PTH]

I think Yak just wanted a short, reasonable, no-pressure bridge deal, and is hoping for a pay day when he breaks out.

And I think he will, to a certain extent. Since the Oilers coaching change he's been improving statistically; I watch a few Oilers games every year, and he's looked ok. Maybe not 1st overall material, but a very solid top-6 forward. Kind of reminds me of Richard Zednik in terms of style and maybe in terms of eventual productivity.

[PTH]

Apr 14, 2015 7:42:24 GMT -5 blny said:

I always expected Berg to give Alex a deal similar to the one Gallagher signed.

Gallagher doesn't have much more upside, so a long-term deal was reasonable.

Galchenyuk could still add 30 points to his yearly total and add 50% to his average salary, so a bridge deal makes too much sense for Alex and his agent, plus it fits with how Bergevin wants to build this team.

EDIT: Unless you just meant similar dollars for 2 years ? That would make total sense.

[blny]

Apr 14, 2015 7:46:41 GMT -5 PTH said:

Apr 14, 2015 7:42:24 GMT -5 blny said:

I always expected Berg to give Alex a deal similar to the one Gallagher signed.

Gallagher doesn't have much more upside, so a long-term deal was reasonable.

Galchenyuk could still add 30 points to his yearly total and add 50% to his average salary, so a bridge deal makes too much sense for Alex and his agent, plus it fits with how Bergevin wants to build this team.

EDIT: Unless you just meant similar dollars for 2 years ? That would make total sense.

No, I meant similar term and money. Maybe you give a little more cash cause he's a first rounder, but Brendan brings a lot of intangibles to the table that have to be considered, and were in his contract.