For potential franchise defenceman Quin Hughes, earning 105% of his entry level salary of less than $1 million might be the best option this year.
Understanding why a defenceman who should be able to command $6 million per year on the open market might decide to take less than $1 million requires an examination of the roster as signed now, and the arcane rules for a young Restricted Free Agent (RFA). There is also the delicate dance of sensibilities between a young star and the organization who have all the power (for now). Finally, there’s the added factor of sharing an agent with the one man who could help (or hurt) his negotiation, but only if he signs an offer sheet.