What will Matthew Schaefer’s next contract look like?

Bet early, bet big. That could’ve been the unofficial motto for how NHL teams approached contract extensions this offseason. With a skyrocketing salary cap, teams were willing to give their young, relatively unproven players long and lucrative contracts with the hope they turn into bargains down the line. Vancouver Canucks defenseman Zeev Buium, Washington Capitals forward Ryan Leonard, and Buffalo Sabres forward Noah Ostlund all signed eight-year extensions despite having no more than a season’s worth of NHL experience. If young players are getting huge deals based largely on potential, what kind of money will be handed over to a…