Why would a players decision be strictly dependant on money? There is far more opportunity for Barrie in Edmonton therefore helping his longtime value and that itself is more enticing than a measly 1.25M.
Barrie in Vancouver could hurt his value and net him, let’s say, 4-5M per.
Barrie in Edmonton could help his value and net him 6-7M per long term.
Just because a player took a deal for X amount, doesn’t mean Z amount wasn’t on the table. In fact, it probably was but the opportunities with caphit X far outweighed the ones he would’ve had at caphit Z.
Need anything else I can walk you through? I have spare time.