Big NHL contracts are a funny thing.
When they’re first signed, there’s usually an avalanche of “overpaid,” “too many years,” “not worth it” comments.
As time goes on (if a player holds up his end of the deal), the contract usually ends up getting a little better. Salaries around the league rise, and what was a huge number looks more average.
If things go swimmingly, that big deal ends up looking like a bargain as the contract nears its end. It’s how things have trended with David Krejci, Brad Marchand, and Patrice Bergeron (though those last two have deals that have looked great from the beginning), and it’s how things are starting to shake out with Tuukka Rask.