It is smart to always negotiate contracts with an agent and not try to just figure things out player – general manager. I believe in my team’s GM to deal a fair contract, but I know there is pressure on them from the owner to make the most team friendly deal. I get that, but at the same time, for the player’s interest, team friendly is not always ideal. Some will argue, what about the talent surrounding you? This argument doesn’t matter much to me since this is just a job that will last me a few years before I am too banged up to skate again. Those armchair negiotaters can try all that on their own time, but when I am up for a new deal I am going to try to maximize my contract and earn as much as I can. There is a lot at stake, and if the money isn’t coming to me, then it’s going to the owner who doesn’t have to get body checked into the boards every night.