I think the poster was referencing a contract extension, different than a qualifying offer. And I still also think they get a lot more out of letting the fan favorites play out the season. Just my opinion but even stronger opinion now that the deadline has happened. Losing begets lots of ill effects. I'm seeing a lot of ticket promotions on social media all the sudden. Some not so awesome. (Hey! buy frozen pizza, get free tickets! was one of the promotions-- about one step up from "someone broke into my car, and there on the dashboard...")