Unlike many of the Jackets’ fanbase, I’m not worried about the unresolved Adam Fantilli RFA contract. And I have two basic reasons for my lack of concern.
Firstly, we all know what the basic parameters of the deal will ultimately be—somewhere between $13.5 million and $15.5 million, spread over between three and five seasons. It’s gonna be somewhere in the middle of that range. They’re probably quibbling over the sweaty details—signing bonuses, real salary structures, potential trade protections when they become available—but the basics of the deal are done. GM Don Waddell and agent Pat Brisson are just seeing who blinks first.
What’s my second reason for not being stressed out about this situation? Well.
Let me tell you an (almost) unrelated story:
They don’t do this anymore, but from the time Marcus Naslund was a leader on the Vancouver Canucks team until the year after the Sedins retired, Canucks training camp opened with physicals, photos, and then the Grouse Grind the morning of Day 2.
For those who don’t know, the Grind is a 1.5 mile hiking trail that goes from sea level to 2,624 feet above sea level, and features over 2,800 steps.
For years, the Canucks would have difficult negotiations with their RFAs that frequently would result in a contract signed in the afternoon on the second day of camp, which meant they didn’t miss any off-ice sessions, but they did miss the Grind.
I’m certain that that was completely coincidental.
Anyway, so I’m not that worried about Fantilli not being signed yet.