As I said with the Getzlaf signing, this will be a growing tend where GMs lock up their young but proven talent before they can become RFA. Matt Carle is a solid all-round defenseman so it’s money well spent for a 23 year old who is starting his second season in the NHL and really hasn’t hit his prime yet. Smart move by a very smart GM named Doug Wilson!!! RDS is reporting that the deal is worth $13,75 million over 4 years…..a bargain.

TSN reports the breakdown of the contract goes as follows:
08-09 season – $2.95 million
09-10 season – $3.5 million
10-11 season – $3.5 million
11-12 season – 3.8 million

Not a bad deal for a solid defenseman who had 42 points (GP- 77 G-11 A-31 +9) last season.