"Ice mass vs extent", if it has to be broken through, it's Ice, not candyfloss! I prefer facts to "sceance-tists" "prediction models".
"Follow the money", if ice were gone/receding, why would a country spend on 5 new atom icebreakers, 2 already in service with 3 under construction, adding to the existing 2 atom boats and numerous others (41 total?).
The US only has 2, but plans for 6 more.
As sea ice in the Arctic melts, the Coast Guard needs more icebreakers to remain competitive.
www.defensenews.com
Why would they need them if the ice is melting, eh?
Some more of world's icebreaker fleet:
Norway 1 medium, 1 light breaker
Finland 1 heavy, 7 others, 9 total?
Canada 2 heavy, 8 medium, 8 light
Denmark 3 light. Estonia 2 light
Even Sweden has 5 light with 2 more on order
Are they imagining the ice?
https://www.ccg-gcc.gc.ca/icebreaking-deglacage/fleet-flotte-eng.html