| Author |
 Topic  |
|
n/a
deleted
4809 Posts |
 Posted - 07/16/2010 : 08:05:39
|
Thanks for half agreeing with me, nuxfan, but here are some further points:
1) Of the players you listed making more than Mikko, only a few would be in the same elite category as top defensive forwards (B.Richards, Datsyuk, J.Staal . . . maybe Toews). How many are captains of that group? How many are the lone star player on their team (could be argued none, as "old star" Modano was the face in Dallas, and there's Riberiro)? Do any of these players - who mostly have far bigger offensive numbers, admittedly - bring the complete package like Mikko, and still have room for improvement? For me, I'd say only Jordan Staal and Toews are there in that group (only Toews has a higher face-off percentage if you want to add that in, Mikko was 8th best last year at 56.9%, although Kesler and Datsyuk are up there with 55.1%). Basically making the point that you can't just compare offensive numbers here.
[ note - I did notice looking up Takeaways that Datsyuk and Kesler led the NHL last year in the giveaway/takeaway ratio,Datsyuk was head and shoulders above everyone with 132 takeaways (73 giveaways) and Kesler was second with 83 TKA (28 giveaways) ]
2) J.Staal would be making a lot more if not on a team with Crosby and Malkin. Toews would be making a lot more if he were the lone star on a team like Minny.
3) And lastly, I don't get the feeling that Minnesota was desperate, really, I think they just wanted to give a strong assurance for the franchise that their top player wasn't going to bolt like Gaborik did. We saw Gabby's offensive stats explode when he left, even playing for the very similar defensive NYRangers, and there might have been the sense that they don't want the players to think they were playing in a "backwater" I think.
Different teams have different things to deal with when trying to keep/attract players, and Minnesota is just one of those places where you might have to often overpay your stars just a bit to ensure they stay. Offering Koivu a lucrative contract he couldn't get anywhere else made it an easy decision for him, and makes him feel good, and keeps the franchise "healthy". It's win-win.
"Take off, eh?" - Bob and Doug |
 |
|
|
nuxfan
PickupHockey All-Star
3670 Posts |
Posted - 07/16/2010 : 09:09:30
|
quote:
Of the players you listed making more than Mikko, only a few would be in the same elite category as top defensive forwards (B.Richards, Datsyuk, J.Staal . . . maybe Toews). How many are captains of that group? How many are the lone star player on their team (could be argued none, as "old star" Modano was the face in Dallas, and there's Riberiro)? Do any of these players - who mostly have far bigger offensive numbers, admittedly - bring the complete package like Mikko, and still have room for improvement? For me, I'd say only Jordan Staal and Toews are there in that group (only Toews has a higher face-off percentage if you want to add that in, Mikko was 8th best last year at 56.9%, although Kesler and Datsyuk are up there with 55.1%). Basically making the point that you can't just compare offensive numbers here.
The reason Mikko stands out as a defensive centre in that group is because all the defensive centres with offensive upside make far less than my 6.5M threshold.
If you want to compare apples to apples.... My list of "all around centres" is pretty small - feel free to agree or disagree with them, and I might have missed some too. I picked centres that get a substantial number of points, play both PP and PK, and are relied upon to take critical faceoffs when the game is on the line:
- Koivu: 6.7M
- Kesler: 5M
- Plekanec: 5M
- Jordan Staal: 4M (his point total could be better, but he plays 3rd line in PIT)
- Datsyuk: 6.7M
- Toews: 6.2M
- Mike Richards: 5.75M
- Ribeiro: 5M
- Lecavalier: 7.6M (we can all agree that his contract does not make sense though)
quote:
2) J.Staal would be making a lot more if not on a team with Crosby and Malkin. Toews would be making a lot more if he were the lone star on a team like Minny.
Agreed for Staal. He'd probably get a lot more points too. Toews might make 7M/year on another team - but I'd also put Toews in a different strata of centres than Koivu.
quote:
3) And lastly, I don't get the feeling that Minnesota was desperate, really, I think they just wanted to give a strong assurance for the franchise that their top player wasn't going to bolt like Gaborik did. We saw Gabby's offensive stats explode when he left, even playing for the very similar defensive NYRangers, and there might have been the sense that they don't want the players to think they were playing in a "backwater" I think.
I think you just said "desperate" with a lot of words  . I agree, MIN wanted to keep Koivu at any cost, in order to show that they were committed to putting a strong team on the ice every year and not letting stars walk. IMO they overpaid for his services, but also locked up the only real guy they have. |
|
|
|
Beans15
Moderator
Canada
8286 Posts |
Posted - 07/16/2010 : 09:32:37
|
I can see the point of Koivu getting overpaid and I do think to a slight degree he is. However, one has to remember that it's far more difficult to find brilliant offensive players than defensive players and offensive players will always get paid more than defensive players.
Considering the comparison between Kesler and Koivu, both are genuine 2 way players. I would say that Kesler is the better defensive players and Koivu is the better offensive player. This is also indicated by their numbers in that Koivu has actually played 40 fewer NHL games than Kesler and has produced 40 more points.
Plain and simple, offensive players get paid more than defensive players. Koivu at nearly $7 million is an overpay and Slozo has a great theory on why that is. However, $5 million would have been undervalued for a legitimate #1 centre with more offensive upside than Kesler. |
|
|
|
Jumbo Joe Rocks
PickupHockey Pro
Canada
410 Posts |
Posted - 07/16/2010 : 09:34:32
|
According to team1040,and HFboards Kevin Bieksa has been traded to Columbus for 2011 2nd rounder and prospect Kevin Lynch.
GO SHARKS GO |
Edited by - Jumbo Joe Rocks on 07/16/2010 09:35:51 |
|
|
|
Jumbo Joe Rocks
PickupHockey Pro
Canada
410 Posts |
Posted - 07/16/2010 : 09:44:06
|
Martin Skoula and Chris Bourque sign in KHL.
GO SHARKS GO |
|
|
|
nuxfan
PickupHockey All-Star
3670 Posts |
Posted - 07/16/2010 : 09:54:13
|
quote:
According to team1040,and HFboards Kevin Bieksa has been traded to Columbus for 2011 2nd rounder and prospect Kevin Lynch.
Canucks rumour mill is posting the same, but still no confirmation from anyone else. I definitely like this trade. It gets Bieksa off the books for no additional salary this year. Kevin Lynch is a solid prospect, and a 2nd rounder from CBJ seems decent. |
|
|
|
nuxfan
PickupHockey All-Star
3670 Posts |
Posted - 07/16/2010 : 10:07:14
|
| the Beiksa move has been nixed on the canucks board as unfounded with no source. |
|
|
|
Tiller33
PickupHockey Pro
389 Posts |
Posted - 07/16/2010 : 10:09:10
|
quote:
[i]Originally posted by nuxfan[/i]
Most of this list is a lot better than Koivu (Drury, Gomez, Briere were bad signings too, and I won't get into Horcoff cause Beans will get mad ). Toews? Datsyuk at the same value? Staal only makes a few 100K more.
What Staal did you mean? Eric Makes $8.25 mil and Jordan makes $4 mil (agreed anywhere but Pitt he'd make $5 mil+). |
|
|
|
Pasty7
PickupHockey Veteran
Canada
2312 Posts |
Posted - 07/16/2010 : 10:36:17
|
quote:
[i]Originally posted by Tiller33[/i]
[br]quote:
[i]Originally posted by nuxfan[/i]
Most of this list is a lot better than Koivu (Drury, Gomez, Briere were bad signings too, and I won't get into Horcoff cause Beans will get mad ). Toews? Datsyuk at the same value? Staal only makes a few 100K more.
What Staal did you mean? Eric Makes $8.25 mil and Jordan makes $4 mil (agreed anywhere but Pitt he'd make $5 mil+).
yeah i was gonna say Eric Staal is a pretty damn good all around all situations center
Pasty |
|
|
|
nuxfan
PickupHockey All-Star
3670 Posts |
Posted - 07/16/2010 : 10:38:38
|
| sorry, I was referring to Eric - for some reason I thought his salary was 7.25, my bad. |
|
|
|
pensfan17
PickupHockey Pro
Canada
330 Posts |
Posted - 07/16/2010 : 17:08:22
|
| Not trying to say that Koivu is as good as Toews, but they did have the same PPG this year at .89 with far less offensive support...just throwing that out there. |
|
|
|
nuxfan
PickupHockey All-Star
3670 Posts |
Posted - 07/16/2010 : 21:58:14
|
| pensfan, I suppose so. If you were building your team and could have one of Koivu or Toews as your #1, which would you take? |
|
|
|
irvine
PickupHockey Veteran
Canada
1315 Posts |
Posted - 07/16/2010 : 22:53:33
|
Mikko Koivu's deal is fairly interesting when broken down, actually. It's not cut and dry.
Koivu's base salary per year, will be $5.4 Million.
But, he will receive a bonus every two years, of $1.89 Million. And, on his final year of the contract, he receives a double installment... Totaling $9.18.
This to me, doesn't seem like your average deal. Fairly different. It's not crazy, or overly different. But slightly.
What I mean is, we see most deals front-end loaded. This deal, actually pays the most in the final season of his contract. Doubling his average 'base' salary of $5.4M.
Also, he will receive a fair number of it in bonus. By receiving an almost $2M per bonus, ever two years. Or, almost $1M per year in bonus (paid bi-anually)
Seems different to me, anyhow.
Irvine/prez. |
|
|
|
nuxfan
PickupHockey All-Star
3670 Posts |
Posted - 07/17/2010 : 00:47:13
|
My guess - MIN doesn't have a lot of money, so they may have backloaded this deal as opposed to front loaded, in order to take advantage of PV/FV economics (the cost of 9M in 7 years time is less than that in PV $$). I don't have any proof of that however, its just a theory.
IMO, this makes him harder to trade as well - players like Pronger and Luongo, they get most of the money up front. Should their teams want to trade them later, the cap his is constant but the actual $ paid goes way down. It would be easier for small market teams to acquire such a contract if a trade happened - teams that have cap room, but will never spend near the cap.
Definately not the norm these days though. |
|
|
|
Beans15
Moderator
Canada
8286 Posts |
Posted - 07/17/2010 : 08:08:52
|
quote:
[i]Originally posted by nuxfan[/i]
[br]pensfan, I suppose so. If you were building your team and could have one of Koivu or Toews as your #1, which would you take?
I think is a pretty loaded question.
Why not ask the questions comparing Koivu to Kesler, Ribero, or Plekanec???
I think Koivu is on the low of of elite centres in the NHL today. Maybe not top 10, but top 15-18 easily. |
|
|
|
nuxfan
PickupHockey All-Star
3670 Posts |
Posted - 07/17/2010 : 09:11:29
|
because pensfan was implying that koivu was worth the same as toews, based on offensive stats. i was backhandedly implying that even though they might have the same stats, toews is worth much more than koivu - i'm pretty sure anyone would take toews in that group.
for the others you mentioned, its more evenly matched. although, I'd take any one of the others that you mentioned over koivu because they all make 2M less than koivu. |
Edited by - nuxfan on 07/17/2010 09:13:43 |
|
|
|
Guest7360
( )
|
Posted - 07/17/2010 : 10:45:33
|
| ur trying to tell me nuxfan that u would take ribeiro over koivu????????????? are u serious or just trying to make me mad, where have u been the last 5 years |
|
|
|
pensfan17
PickupHockey Pro
Canada
330 Posts |
Posted - 07/17/2010 : 11:52:38
|
Of course i agree that Toews is better than Koivu, I'm just trying to say that this deal is not as much of an overpay as some people believe. Obviously Minnesota's situation required them to up the price to keep their captain and star player, but not by too much.
|
|
|
|
Beans15
Moderator
Canada
8286 Posts |
Posted - 07/17/2010 : 15:40:15
|
quote:
[i]Originally posted by nuxfan[/i]
[br]because pensfan was implying that koivu was worth the same as toews, based on offensive stats. i was backhandedly implying that even though they might have the same stats, toews is worth much more than koivu - i'm pretty sure anyone would take toews in that group.
for the others you mentioned, its more evenly matched. although, I'd take any one of the others that you mentioned over koivu because they all make 2M less than koivu.
Seriously?? They get paid less because they don't produce as well and are not as good hockey players. Seriously, that is why GM's can not be fans because fans think with their heart and not with their head.
If I put Ribero, Kesler, Plekanec, and Koivu on the table with their current deals, the odds are that every GM in the NHL will take Kesler or Koivu first. Period. Saying you would take one of the other 2 because of the money is a joke. If you are running an NHL team you take the best players you possibly can.
Are you going to tell me next that if you have Patrick Kane and Alex Ovechkin to pick from you are taking Kane because he gets $3 million less a season???
That's exactly what you are saying if you would take Ribero or Plekanec over Koivu. |
|
|
|
nuxfan
PickupHockey All-Star
3670 Posts |
Posted - 07/17/2010 : 16:54:57
|
quote:
Are you going to tell me next that if you have Patrick Kane and Alex Ovechkin to pick from you are taking Kane because he gets $3 million less a season???
erm, no. Kane and OV are not the same player, OV makes 3M more for a reason...
quote:
If I put Ribero, Kesler, Plekanec, and Koivu on the table with their current deals, the odds are that every GM in the NHL will take Kesler or Koivu first. Period. Saying you would take one of the other 2 because of the money is a joke. If you are running an NHL team you take the best players you possibly can.
OK, Ribeiro, fair enough, I would probably take Koivu over him. But Kesler and Plekanec, I would take over Koivu.
And Beans, money is not a joke at all - in a cap world you consider money, you can't just take the best player you possibly can all the time. That is a big part of the reason why I take Kesler and Plekanec over Koivu - I feel I'm getting nearly the same performance for less money, leaving me more money to add players elsewhere. |
|
|
|
Beans15
Moderator
Canada
8286 Posts |
Posted - 07/17/2010 : 17:24:35
|
Much like the argument about Hamhuis over Zidlicky, I can not argue with an unreasonable argument. Taking Plekanec over Koivu is ludicrous. I can appreciate the defense of the Kesler deal and not backing down, but really??
You take Plekanec, a guy who has been a complete yo-yo in production, from 47pts, to 69 pts, to 39 pts, to 70 pts and who has less points in 30 more games over Mikko Koivu??
Again, I can't argue an unreasonable and illogical argument. You are not getting the same performance. You are getting significantly better offensive performance from a player who has been in an around the top 10 in his position on arguable the most defensive team in the league.
|
|
|
|
n/a
deleted
4809 Posts |
Posted - 07/18/2010 : 07:08:42
|
As an addendum to the arguments over the merits of signing/overpaying for Mikko Koivu's services, I would like to add a wish for the Minnesota Wild:
Sign Modano to a one year deal.
It would be the greatest way for him to go out and end his career; it would be a classy move, without hurting the franchise (in fact it would increase their visibility big time); and IMHO Modano could still play the third line and possibly even second power play unit and be effective.
To me, it seems like an easy PR move AND a decen hockey move all wrapped up in one, but it hasn't happened yet for some reason. Get to it, Wild GM!
Let Modano end his career in Minny.
"Take off, eh?" - Bob and Doug |
|
|
|
nuxfan
PickupHockey All-Star
3670 Posts |
Posted - 07/18/2010 : 11:00:13
|
Slozo, I hope that MIN signs Modano too, that would be a nice way for him to finish up. We'll see.
quote:
Again, I can't argue an unreasonable and illogical argument. You are not getting the same performance. You are getting significantly better offensive performance from a player who has been in an around the top 10 in his position on arguable the most defensive team in the league.
You are not getting the same performance. Nor are you playing the same price - which is really my argument from the getgo - is Koivu worth 6.75M per year for the next 7 years? No one is denying that he is a good centre...but 6.75M good?
You know, an argument is not unreasonable or illogical just because you don't agree with it. Where did I say "Plekanec is better than Koivu"? - you've invented a new argument. In today's NHL, you take into account performance and price because you have to. I think Plekanec is better value @ 5m than Koivu is @ 6.75m. 6.75 is A LOT OF MONEY in a cap world to dedicate to a single player...in the bigger NHL, is Koivu worth it?
As for defensive teams...have a look at MTL vs MIN goals for over the last 4 or 5 years, they are not as far off as you think in terms of offense. 2007/08, and 2008/09 MTL had 40 more goals than MIN, the 2 years before those they differed by less than 10. Last year, MTL scored less goals than MIN. |
Edited by - nuxfan on 07/18/2010 11:01:02 |
|
|
|
irvine
PickupHockey Veteran
Canada
1315 Posts |
Posted - 07/18/2010 : 14:22:11
|
Career-wise, it would be good for Modano to finish out his career in Minnesota, where it began with the North Stars.
As for the Wild, it may benefit them as well. The PR would be good. But, on ice, it may make some sense too.
But, that would involve Cullen slotting in at 3rd Line Center. Which, I'm not opposed to. That could be a fit.
But, PM Bouchard to me, is not a 4th Line Center guy. The 3rd line is where he belongs. 4th Line for grinders/tough guys typically. Which, Bouchard is not. He's also not a guy worth scratching/minors, to me.
So, one of Cullen/Bouchard should be traded out, if Modano/Wild accept each other.
Just my quick thoughts on the matter.
Wild won't be losing a big Center piece. But, is it worth moving out one (for little return, as they won't get you much), for a guy to play one year? Mainly, for PR?
Irvine/prez. |
|
|
|
Beans15
Moderator
Canada
8286 Posts |
Posted - 07/18/2010 : 15:13:49
|
Nuxfan, I was not intentionally disrespection your opinion but in reading back I can see where I have made statements that are disrespectful. Please accept my apology.
I do not find the argument of which players are better than which as illogical. I find it difficult to agree that if Player A is better than Player B that taking player B for a lesser contract is a good hockey decision. It simply isn't. The best teams in the NHL have the best players and find a way to manage their salaries. The average teams in the NHL have the best contracts and try to find a way to manage their players.
|
|
|
|
nuxfan
PickupHockey All-Star
3670 Posts |
Posted - 07/18/2010 : 16:22:54
|
Beans, no apology necessary, I didn't take offense at anything you said - I was just frustrated with your position is all . Just a part of healthy debate.
In the end, we agree to disagree. In a cap world, teams might want to sign the best player available, but in the end they get the best player they can afford - relative value becomes important.
I think Koivu is overpaid @ 6.75 in the larger NHL. However, MIN can easily afford it and have decided that he is The Man for them at C, so they did what they felt they had to do to stay there, they certainly think they got value. Who knows, perhaps MIN did have to overpay slightly in order to keep someone like Koivu in MIN, its not the most desirable place to live when you have millions at your disposal. I think that if Koivu had gone to UFA next year, he might have gotten 6-6.5M on a multi-year deal- which I still think would be overpayment, but hey its UFA day.
Now that Koivu has been discussed to death, I now return this thread to its regularly scheduled programming. |
|
|
|
irvine
PickupHockey Veteran
Canada
1315 Posts |
Posted - 07/18/2010 : 17:46:34
|
I'm with nuxfan on this one, personally.
Yes, teams sign the best players at their disposal. But, they also have to be CAP aware. (As we're seeing with Chicago now.)
That being said, I agree with nuxfan in the sense that if you are looking at Player A & Player B, with Player A being the better player by about 10-15 points, but Player B makes $2M less per year... I take Player B. Personally.
If both players are very similar defensively, and offensively we're talking a difference on average of 10 Points per season... to me it makes sense to go with the much cheaper, but only slightly less productive player.
With that cap space, you can sign a better player with that extra cap room (of $2M), which is significant when signing a complimentary player. Who will, get you back those 10-15 points, and likely 30-40 more. As, you're now able to spend $2M more on that compliment guy.
It just seems to make sense to me.
Irvine/prez. |
|
|
|
Jumbo Joe Rocks
PickupHockey Pro
Canada
410 Posts |
Posted - 07/19/2010 : 09:19:46
|
Ilya Kovalchuk re-signs with Devils.Lenght and salary not released yet.
GO SHARKS GO |
|
|
|
Beans15
Moderator
Canada
8286 Posts |
Posted - 07/19/2010 : 09:22:56
|
Hey, I agree with being as cap aware as the next guy. But let's also look at the fact that the Cap has increased by $20 million since 05/06. The bottom of the cap today is higher than the top of the cap 5 seasons ago. This includes going through one of the more difficult economic years in recent memory. Considering that, is it not in the realm of possibility that the cap will be $70-$80 million near the end of this deal??
Regardless, Big news today. According to the NJ Devils official Twitter account (I don't follow it, but TSN does) Kovalchuk has resigned with the Devils and there will be a press conference on Tuesday to make the announcement.
IF this is true, who is leaving the Garden State?? With less than $4 million in cap space, the Devils will have to move at least one of their $4-$5 million players but most likely 2 as they have less than a 23 man roster signed.
Rolston($5 million through 11/12), Elias ($5 million through 12/13), and Zajac ($3.9 through 12/13) are the likely candidates. I would suggest that Diamond Lou will want to keep Zajac if at all possible.
I also wonder if Parise becomes expendable as he is an RFA next season and with 4 straight 30 goal campaigns including seasons 45 and 38, he is in for a raise. In fact, if he gets near 40 this season, he will be looking at $6-7 million a year.
Discuss. |
|
|
|
Jumbo Joe Rocks
PickupHockey Pro
Canada
410 Posts |
Posted - 07/19/2010 : 11:00:12
|
quote:
[i]Originally posted by Beans15[/i]
[br]Hey, I agree with being as cap aware as the next guy. But let's also look at the fact that the Cap has increased by $20 million since 05/06. The bottom of the cap today is higher than the top of the cap 5 seasons ago. This includes going through one of the more difficult economic years in recent memory. Considering that, is it not in the realm of possibility that the cap will be $70-$80 million near the end of this deal??
Regardless, Big news today. According to the NJ Devils official Twitter account (I don't follow it, but TSN does) Kovalchuk has resigned with the Devils and there will be a press conference on Tuesday to make the announcement.
IF this is true, who is leaving the Garden State?? With less than $4 million in cap space, the Devils will have to move at least one of their $4-$5 million players but most likely 2 as they have less than a 23 man roster signed.
Rolston($5 million through 11/12), Elias ($5 million through 12/13), and Zajac ($3.9 through 12/13) are the likely candidates. I would suggest that Diamond Lou will want to keep Zajac if at all possible.
I also wonder if Parise becomes expendable as he is an RFA next season and with 4 straight 30 goal campaigns including seasons 45 and 38, he is in for a raise. In fact, if he gets near 40 this season, he will be looking at $6-7 million a year.
Discuss.
Beans I agree with you one of their top 3 or 4 will be traded I am guessing it will be Elias.Alot of teams could use him but $5 million that is going to be hard to move same with Rolston.What about Elias for Kaberle altough the Leafs are rebulding so I dont hink they would do it.Elias or Rolston to the senior citizens home (Detroit Red Wings) for Kronwall??Who knows though.
GO SHARKS GO |
|
|
|
Jumbo Joe Rocks
PickupHockey Pro
Canada
410 Posts |
Posted - 07/19/2010 : 11:02:32
|
This is brand new according to Hockey Buzz's Eklund,Twitter and HF boards Simon Gagne trade to Tampa Bay will be announced shortly I believe it is for Mike Smith???Now with Dan Elis it probably is Mike Smith leaving the Sunshine State.Not sure if true though.
GO SHARKS GO |
|
|
|
nuxfan
PickupHockey All-Star
3670 Posts |
Posted - 07/19/2010 : 11:20:15
|
Elias is actually earning 6M per year, not 5. Even more incentive to trade him IMO. He's probably still good for 60-70 pts per year, and has trouble staying healthy. As Beans said in another thread, he has loads of experience as well, could be good for a younger team with cap space.
I would imagine that Elias and Rolston would be gonzo. I think NJ wants to be able to sign Parise to an extension, and that extension is going to be 6-7M per year on a long deal, so they need the cash. Beans, I cannot for the life of me see NJ letting Parise go.
TSN has confirmed that Gagne will be moving to TB. No word on whats coming back. I have a hard time believing that Mike Smith is the only component. |
Edited by - nuxfan on 07/19/2010 11:22:26 |
|
|
|
nuxfan
PickupHockey All-Star
3670 Posts |
Posted - 07/19/2010 : 11:29:15
|
Scott Burnside's twitter account had a posting indicating Kovy contract might be 17yr/150M, working out to 8.8M cap hit per year at straight consumption.
Burnside indicated that it would be less, but speculated that by the end of the contract Kovy will have earned 150M in the NHL, including his time in ATL. So, this contract would have to be 100M or so total $ for that to happen. |
|
|
|
nuxfan
PickupHockey All-Star
3670 Posts |
Posted - 07/19/2010 : 11:42:46
|
Gagne to TB in exchange for Matt Walker (stay-at-home big dman at 1.7M per year) and 4th round pick.
So, straight up salary dump for PHI, they look like they're set for next year with 1M in cap space (200K if all bonuses come in). |
|
|
|
Guest8251
( )
|
Posted - 07/19/2010 : 11:53:18
|
| Kovalchuk staying put in NJ... |
|
|
|
leafsfan_101
PickupHockey Veteran
Canada
1530 Posts |
Posted - 07/19/2010 : 12:02:48
|
The Kovalchuk move makes absolutely no sense to me. They have approx. 3.7 mil left for the season, already have a pretty established roster, and have seemed to have added the necessary parts to fill the team in the form of Volchenkov and Tallinder (I don't believe the NJ offense was of huge concern).
I would guess that, like most 17 year deals, this contract is extremely front-loaded, meaning that NJ will need to clear at least 5-7 mil depending on what Kovalchuk signed for. What is crazy is thay Parise is an RFA after this season and is due for a pay raise, which leaves me to think NJ will need to make some sort of move to facilitate all of these contracts. It will be interesting to see how Lou manages all of these contracts after this season, and even to who WILL be traded in the comming weeks.
Even without Kovalchuk, this team was pretty deep. Now it is ridiculously solid, the only thing I can think of is that there is very limited mobility from the back end amongst their top 4 defenseman. Kovy can play the point on the PP, so he helps fill the void left by Paul Martin on the point on the powerplay.
By the way, when was the hour-long TV show? I must have missed it. |
Edited by - leafsfan_101 on 07/19/2010 12:12:56 |
|
|
|
Beans15
Moderator
Canada
8286 Posts |
Posted - 07/19/2010 : 12:25:05
|
I think that us arm-chair guys are forgetting who we are talking about here. He is Lou friggin Lamoriello!! This guy has 9 division winners, 4 conference winners, and 3 Cup to his name. He has done nothing but win for 20 years. It always seems that each year people discount the Devils before training camp. Then, around training camp people start saying, "Don't forget about the Devils," and by the trade deadline people are saying, "Look out for the Devils."
Look at the list of players that have come and gone from the Devils in the past 20 years. That list is chalked full of HOFer's.
With the exception of maybe Ken Holland(and that's a big maybe) there is no one in the game of hockey today with better vision or ability than Lamoriello. He will get it done and it won't be long until you and I are saying, 'Wow, that's pretty good." |
|
|
|
Jumbo Joe Rocks
PickupHockey Pro
Canada
410 Posts |
Posted - 07/19/2010 : 12:37:45
|
Simon Gagne has officialy been traded to the Tampa Bay Lightning in exchange for Matt Walker and a 4th round pick.
GO SHARKS GO |
|
|
|
Pasty7
PickupHockey Veteran
Canada
2312 Posts |
Posted - 07/19/2010 : 13:30:42
|
apparently i dont know forsure and havn't the time right now to look it up but i herd quickly on the team 990 this morning because its 17 years its only a 4.5 million cap hit .. im not sure about this,,,,
Pasty |
|
|
|
nuxfan
PickupHockey All-Star
3670 Posts |
Posted - 07/19/2010 : 13:30:47
|
Yeah, I agree with Beans here - in Lou they trust. However, until we see the shape of the deal for Kovy we're just shooting in the dark on what he'll do.
Some wrinkles for him that I didn't notice before:
- Elias - has a NMC (yes, no movement), which means he has to explicitly agree to any deal that is made. Not impossible, but not easy either.
- Rolston - has a NTC, and is over 35, which means he is hard to move and expensive to buy out.
So while these 2 are prime to be gone, you have to think Lou has his work cut out for him. However, some candidates that are easier to move - Zubrus (3.4), Clarkson (2.66), and Zajac (3.88), although I still cannot think that Zajac is going anywhere.
|
|
|
|
Topic |
|
Summer Signing & Trade Tracker 
