Breaking Down Lindell’s Value In Light Of His Contract

Jon Durr-USA TODAY SportsThe Dallas Stars signed Esa Lindell to a six-year, $34.8 million contract extension last week. The extension will carry an average annual value of $5.8 million against the team’s salary cap. There’s been a fair amount of debate that I’ve seen over Twitter and online hockey boards whether or not $5.8 million per year is an overpay or not for the defensive-minded defenseman. For what it’s worth, Evolving Wild, a popular hockey analytic site and account, had predicted Esa Lindell’s six-year contract term being worth $5,814,973 per year, which was right on the money. So in terms of market value, his AAV of $5.8 million wasn’t a surprise. (You can see his and the rest of the UFA and RFA contract predictions by @EvolvingWild here.)

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