This article's reasoning is PRECISELY what I have been thinking all along. And I think the reticence of the FO to announce anything is telling.
Now, a word about the contract. As I understand it, the extension guarantees Fisher some money for Year 6 and establishes a number for a Year 7 option. Obviously, the only risk for the team is Year 6.
IMO, a guarantee of a year's pay means nothing as a guarantee of employment. I don't know what the number is. $15 Million?
That's pocket money for an organization laying out BILLIONS in constructing a stadium, all on its own dime. Many a HC has been fired with money owing. And SK is not penny pinching. He never tried for a minute to hold StL up for ransom. He has not asked LA for subsidies. I see no evidence that he would be parsimonious over a few million ...
When he stands to lose far MORE than that in failed marketing to fans in a market that demands success. To niggle over a coach's contract while the fledgling foothold in LA flounders would be a financially stupid. And SK is not financially stupid.
Don't forget that a coach's salary is not a cap factor. The issue with players is guaranteed money that limits the cap. Yet, even there, teams often cut players taking a cap hit.
I see no way Fisher returns next year. The extention signed last summer means nothing, IMO.
