Reality is if you refuse to sign a deal the team (Any team) will ask you if you'd waive the NMC in a trade. Not sure if any of that is true about him being upset, but if it is, fuck him.
Notice we are always pointing to other things that went wrong every playoffs? If they simply performed like other superstars it wouldn't matter.
Hyman loss can be felt much less by simply having McDavid/Draisaitl play like they are so far in the playoffs.
He'll ask permission to talk to some teams before July 1st, where the 8th year is still possible with the Leafs then go back to them before it expires.
Your point is correct. But even if they have won cups, why overpay for a "Mentor". They got Jason Spezza a total of 3 seasons at NHL minimum and he did a better job.