‘Paying Stamkos $11 million or $12 million a year would’ve put the Sabres up against the salary cap wall at a time when they need to get rising young defenseman Rasmus Ristolainen signed to a long-term deal. And in the not-to-distance future when their entry-level bargain rates expire, Eichel and Reinhart must get paid.’
Steven Stamkos' deal saved Sabres' Tim Murray from himself
Source: Rochester Democrat and Chronicle