Finding value in the NHL is paramount to sustainable success. The salary cap does little to help contenders stay atop the mountain.
In fact, the pre-cap days, for those who remember them, were the wild west of free agency and spending. The constant chirping of large market teams versus small market ones ran rampant until the cap ended that discussion.
Since then, GMs have been under consistent pressure to find hidden value in cost-effective contracts. Teams can ideally find great, productive players on so-called cheap contracts. For definition's sake, a “cheap” contract is one that typically hovers around $1 million. However, the evolving cap ceiling will likely make $1 million contracts harder and harder to find. While there will always be players willing to sign for league-minimum, these contracts could become increasingly rare.
That said, my colleague, Graham Tiedtke, discussed how Parker Kelly’s four-year extension could become a value contract. He’ll start the extension next season, carrying a hit of $1.7 million. And that’s a fair number for a bottom-six player who frequently plays well above his pay grade.
But there’s another contract that figured to be another bargain: Gavin Brindley.
Brindley signed a two-year extension earlier this year. Interestingly, he actually took a pay cut in his next contract. Brindley’s cap hit this season is $950K. However, the 21-year-old signed a two-year deal for $875K AAV.
That’s uncommon in the NHL. But considering the situation the Avalanche and Brindley are in, it could be one of the best contracts in the league. The former second-round pick has six goals and 12 points in 52 games this season. While those are not precisely mind-shocking numbers, they are pretty good for a guy who’s been patrolling the fourth line for most of the year. Brindley consistently gets under 10 minutes of ice time a night. Yet, he still finds ways to contribute.
Another solid season in which Brindley continues to mature could be just what the team needs in building from within.
Avalanche attract players on “cheap” deals
Contending teams with solid organizational culture and player development often become go-to destinations for prospects and free agents. The Florida Panthers, income tax advantages notwithstanding, have been a popular destination for a while now.
The same thing has happened with the Avalanche. Players are willing to play for a contender that develops players and has a solid team culture.
A good example of that influence was Brent Burns this past offseason. The 41-year-old was willing to sign for a much lower salary, plus incentives, in order to get a chance to chase a Stanley Cup.
That’s likely the situation with Brindley. He’s willing to take a lower cap hit for the next couple of seasons if it means getting an opportunity to truly develop his skills and become a regular fixture in the team’s lineup.
If Brindley continues on an upward trajectory, his contract could become the best value deal in the NHL. That’s not hyperbole. It’s just observation.