The only thing that surprises me is how many people thought the lockout would translate to lower cap hits. I thought he could get around $10M as a UFA so this seems about right.
I almost spontaneously combuted when I read that AAC value. I agree that there are players who could get $10 million per year, but the idea that Getzlaf is an upper-end trend-setter for that trend is borderline absurd. This guy had 11 goals in 82 games last year. His playmaking is unquestionably elite, but his numbers are basically Saku Koivu.
I know the guy won a Cup, but you can't contribute that kind of money to a guy. As was said above, how do you Corey Perry or Bobby Ryan for LESS than that now? I'm pretty sure anyone who had to guess who would be the most productive out of those 3 in the next 8 years would have Getzlaf 3rd in that discussion (I would, anyway).