Schmaltz's Megadeal Sets New NHL Benchmark

0:00It's March 13th for the NHL. Let's get into it. Follow and subscribe for more team news every day. The Utah mammoth just locked up StarCenter Nick Schmaltz with an 8-year $64 million contract extension. The 30-year-old Ford had a breakout season with 24 goals and 59 points in 66 games giving him strong leverage as an upcoming unrestricted free agent. This deal sets a new benchmark for players in similar situations heading into the summer. General manager Bill Armstrong acted fast to keep Schmaltz, whose $8 million average annual value starts next season and could shape. Negotiations across the league. Fans and analysts are buzzing about how this affects guys like Buffalo Saber's Winger, Alex Touch. At 29 years old, Touch has 28 goals and 57 points in 64 games while earning just 4.75 million this year. He could easily double that salary, maybe even top Schmaltz if Buffalo makes a deep playoff run.

1:01Meanwhile, older forwards face tougher paths. Seattle Crack and Left Wing are Jade in short, 33, is off to a slow start with 10 goals and 21 points in 42 games, but his prior. Production by Lanham 6-7 million on a 3-4-year pact. Columbus Blue Jacket Center Charlie Coil 34, with 51 points in 65 games, should clear 6 million on a shorter term too. With the salary cab rising, top performers will cash in big, but most unrestricted free agents will settle for less unless they prove elite value. Expect a hot market, but not a flood of Schmaltz level mega deals. D&N is sponsored by our partner. Layback, press play, let the pillow do the rest. Sound meets comfort. S-O-L-I, solely pillow.com