While long contracts with huge dollar amounts are no longer rare in today's NHL, they are still headline-grabbing each time they are inked across the league.
This week, the New York Islanders and Buffalo Sabres made huge splashes by locking up young homegrown talent long term.
The Islanders signed forward John Tavares to a six-year, $33-million pact that will have him on Long Island till the 2017-18 season.
Not to be outdone, the Sabres signed defenceman Tyler Myers to a seven-year, $38-million deal that will commit the rear guard to Buffalo through the 2019-20 season.
Both players that were signed to these blockbuster deals are two-year NHL veterans, but who would you rather have long term; Tavares or Myers?
Drafted 12th overall in 2008 by the Sabres, Myers was considered to be a blueliner that could develop into a threat both offensively and defensively.
At 6-foot-7, his size was considered his greatest asset, yet he was considered a player that could defend smaller and faster forwards.
In his two seasons in the NHL, he's only missed two games and has been a consistent offensive contributor. He scored double digit goals in both seasons and finished with 48 points in his rookie season and 37 points in his second year.
The 21-year-old, who was born in Houston, Texas, and grew up in Calgary, Alberta, won the 2010 Calder Memorial Trophy for rookie of the year.
Tavares entered the league as a highly touted prospect and accordingly was drafted first overall in 2009.
The 6-foot forward was thought to be the top offensive talent in his draft class and someone that could be a special player for years to come.
He was inserted straight into the lineup and played all 82 games in his rookie season, scoring 24 goals and adding 30 assists.
In his sophomore campaign he improved in both offensive categories, posting a 29 goal 38 assist season.
The Mississauga, Ontario, native has played for Team Canada at both the 2010 and 2011 World Championships.
Of the two, Myers is the only one with playoff experience having made the post season both years in the league. However, his Sabres have been eliminated in the first round each time.
Both teams have cast their lots with great homegrown talent but given the choice, would you want the dynamic forward or the massive defencemen locked up long term? As always, it's Your! Call.
