At the same time you would think he would have conversations with the powers that be (Hinch, other front office personnel, etc) about what actually transpired last year (regarding his going AWOL and not communicating for extended periods). I think he went for and thought he had the best deal and assurances only to see it go south at the last minute.
TBH I've situations like that before, you make a hire only to have them back out the morning they're supposed to start. Or take a job only to find out after giving notice that they've moved on to someone else.