We see long-term deals with high annual average values.
We see short-term deals with lower annual average values.
But rarely do we see long-term deals with low annual average values. Like less than $3 million low.
Yet, despite the rarity of such a pact, David Poile and the Nashville Predators have become some sort of trendsetters in getting plays to sign lengthy deals worth a pittance annually.
Colton Sissons becomes the second in the past three years to sign on with the Predators long-term at a small AVV. Sissons new deal, avoiding arbitration, is a seven-year contract worth $20 million -- an AAV of $2.85 million.
“Colton will be an important part of our team for the next seven seasons, and we are happy he has made a long-term commitment to our organization and the city the Nashville,” Poile said. “He’s a heart and soul player who is versatile and can fill many important roles on our team, including on the penalty kill and power play. His offensive production has increased each season, and he remains an integral part of our defensive structure down the middle of the ice. Colton is also an up-and-coming leader in our organization, which is something we value strongly.”
Poile seems to have no issue signing depth guys to lengthy deals. In 2016, he signed Calle Jarnkork to a six-year deal worth $12 million. In fact, he’s the only general manager to pull of such moves.
[ProHockeyTalk’s 2019 NHL free agency tracker]
Both players have chosen security over maximizing earning potential.
Sissons, 25, had a career-year last season, scoring 15 goals and 30 points in 75 games.
His AAV is in the ballpark of what was projected. Evolving Wild’s model had him making $2.65 million. What wasn’t foreseen is that term.
EW’s model projected a three-year contract for Sissons with a 30.2 percent probability of coming to fruition. But what percentage of chance did EW give a seven-year contract? 0.4 percent.
Anything is possible, kids.
Sissons $2.857M 7 year deal (all salary):
— PuckPedia (@PuckPedia) July 23, 2019
-19-20: $3.45M
-20-21: $2.5M
-21-22: $3.65M
-22-23: $2.775M
-23-24: $3.5M
-24-25: $2.3M
-25-26: $1.825M
Covers 5 UFA years. Rep’d by Murray Kuntz @IHGAgencyhttps://t.co/m6Mcvcaihd
Scott Billeck is a writer for Pro Hockey Talk on NBC Sports. Drop him a line at phtblog@nbcsports.com or follow him on Twitter @scottbilleck