2009 Free Agency open thread
by Kent Wilson on Jul 2, 2009 11:09 AM PDT
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This worked well for the draft, so let's get it going for "Christmas in July" as well. To understand some of the insanity of what will soon transpire, take a peek at this link. Now, I'm (reasonably) sure NHL GM's aren't out there bidding against themselves, but the point is the mania of an auction atmosphere can make people do crazy things. Even ostensibly smart people like professional executives. Part of the fun for me every year at this time is waiting to crown the worst contract of the summer - lured by the sweet siren song of superstar, at least one GM always ends up crashing his boat on the rocks...right Glen?
From a Flames perspective, the next few days are simple - sign Bouwmeester, sign Pardy. If one or both don't happen, Sutter's summer will get a little busier. If they do, well...we're going to have an interesting time filling the next two months around here.
Feel free to add your own comments and thoughts as the deals pour in.
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Johnny Oduya’s signed, for a reported 3.5 million a year. He’s good, but that isn’t cheap by any stretch.
I think that is fair for Oduya
Considering his continued improvement and the fcat the FLames have paid more for less on the back end (think Hamrlik).
I just can't see Bouwmeester signing before UFA time
Why not take a serious look at what else is out there? I would if I were him.
There goes Gomez to Montreal. Surprised someone would take that contract. Looks like New York is clearing up room so they can make another major mistake.
For those worried about Pardy being signed
According to the Flames twitter feed Glencross and Pardy are both in the Stampede parade, so it would seem that he’s still in the fold even if nothing official has been announced yet. I think something similar happened with Vandermeer last year.
good to know that he won’t sign anywhere else until at least the weekend.
;)
by walkinvisible on Jun 30, 2009 4:31 PM PDT up reply actions
Fanfingtastic
Gotta love all the whiners in the east that say we are to close to the cap when with these terms we still have 4~ million available and all we need to sign is two forwards and two defenceman for the minimum or close to it. Also once Primeau is traded or sent to the minors then we will have another 1.4 million as a cushion.
Mark my words The HEATLEY FOR PHANEUF TRADE WILL NEVER HAPPEN!!!!!!!
I just did the capgeek thing with Bouwmeester, Boyd at 900k and Pardy at 875k. 17 players, 4.7 million in cap space. Now what? Bertuzzi (gag) for a million, maybe. One more cheap UFA from somewhere like Joel Ward might be a good move. Thoughts?
I’d still like a Gionta/Knuble or something in the top 6. Maybe Jason Williams? Or, the club could pursue someone like Moen, put him on the 3rd line, bump Nystrom back down and promote Boyd.
Me too on Gionta, in particular. Moen’s OK too if they can keep his salary near this year’s. I think he was just under a million. I like Ward because he seems to be this year’s Moss, but Nashville should give him a Moss/GlenX/Bourque type deal and keep him.
by Robert Cleave on Jun 30, 2009 5:48 PM PDT up reply actions
Ward is actually a good call and should come cheap. The “checker” acquisition depends on whether one thinks a top 6 of Langkow/Jokinen/Bourque/Iginla/Moss/Glencross or Boyd is strong enough I guess.
I just don’t want a situation where the team has to depend on Boyd and Nystrom making the jump to top-six and top-nine respectively. One of the things that kept the Flames afloat last year, even with Iginla, Phaneuf and Kiprusoff struggling, was the depth that they had. One of them might be able to make the leap, but needing both to do that is just asking for it, IMO.
by Robert Cleave on Jun 30, 2009 5:57 PM PDT up reply actions
Hey, I dislike Bertuzzi as much as the next guy, but he does have his talents and if he signed with the Flames for 1 million dollars I would take that. Sutter and Sutter will bitch slap him into shape, cause their would be no Keenan man love going on. Anyway, it’s stupid to think about, because Bert ain’t going for 1 million. I would sign him for 1.2 max, and when he says “hell no”, I would be their to open the door and pat him on the back going out.
helluva captain. i think playfair liked him, non ?
;)
by walkinvisible on Jun 30, 2009 6:46 PM PDT up reply actions
I almost feel sorry for Oilers fans at this point. The Heatley thing was another solid kick to the jewels.
That thread at Lowetide’s last night gave the Kubler-Ross scale a workout. Funny as hell, too. Pain brings out the humour, sometimes.
As an aside, and you’re welcome to tell me to get stuffed, should this thread be bumped to the top for the day?
Unless the Flames somehow make another splash, it’ll be other teams doing business today. Just a thought.
by Robert Cleave on Jul 1, 2009 8:35 AM PDT up reply actions
i definitely feel for the oil faithful now…. it’s really hard to kick a blind. three legged dog with cancer.
by walkinvisible on Jul 1, 2009 9:39 AM PDT up reply actions
don’t tell me not to worry. i’m WORRYING.
by walkinvisible on Jul 1, 2009 10:02 AM PDT up reply actions
Looks like not every Swede wants to be in Vancouver. Ohlund to Tampa, 7 years, 3.75 million cap hit. Why anyone would pay that much for a guy into his late 30s, well, it’s Tampa, right?
Agreed
7 years is too long, but 3.75 per is about right, I’d say.
Will certainly miss him in Vancouver, though.
Just glad to see that Iggy won’t have to deal with him and that there is a big ol whole in the Vancouver D now. That’s hardly more dough than he made last year…which means Gillis didn’t want him, he’s saving his dollars for the Niedermeyer’s. You know with the Flames getting JBow, the ’nucks top priority is trying to match with Scott.
If Niedermayer the Greater ends up anywhere but Anaheim, I’d be flabbergasted.
by Robert Cleave on Jul 1, 2009 9:37 AM PDT up reply actions
Yeah, fair price it they paid it for 4 years. From 37-39? Not so much.
by Robert Cleave on Jul 1, 2009 9:36 AM PDT up reply actions
No guarantee Beauchemin sticks around either. Ryan Whitney and a cast of thousands sounds like Tampa last year. Murray will give him (Nieds) pretty much what ever he wants, I’d suspect.
by Robert Cleave on Jul 1, 2009 9:40 AM PDT up reply actions
If Nieds come to Vancouver
I’ll pee my pants with glee.
But I don’t see it happening. When was the last time a team had two sets of brothers? The Sedins and the Niedermayers both…
A man can dream!
I want to see the Red Wings’ fans heads explode. I’m strange that way.
The “sort of” part is because he’s good, and Chicago is a threat, so it does temper my enjoyment of the scenario.
by Robert Cleave on Jul 1, 2009 9:48 AM PDT up reply actions
That would be good news for me in my Keeper League, but bad news for every other team in the Western Conference.
The norris division
is officially no longer the laughing stock of the league.
Does this guarantee a Hawks loss in the SCF?
Any thoughts on Lundmark? It could be a total a waste of cash, but we don’t have a lot to spare. Also, Sutter ‘says’ he has no interest in the free agent frenzy. He would likely sign for 600,000 again, I don’t see anyone else taking him. Worth it? Or cut the eternal underachiever loose?
I thought Lundmark was decent last year, but I just don’t know if he fits anywhere on the roster at this point. The Flames have guys who can fill a bottom 6 role and he’s never going to be a top 6 guy. I’d actually prefer to see him back on a 2-way contract for the good of Abbotsford.
I’m not sure if anyone is out there with a one way deal for him. Europe, maybe.
by Robert Cleave on Jul 1, 2009 9:51 AM PDT up reply actions
i’m on the fence with lundmark. at a really cheap contract (you’re talking 600K) he’s worthwhile on a 2way deal, but i think at some point a team has to promote its capable rookies and here i’d rather see peters, prust and dvdg on the 4th line.
by walkinvisible on Jul 1, 2009 9:49 AM PDT up reply actions
not that I’m advocating this idea, but I would almost see him slotting in on the third line RW if we don’t sign someone else. We have a hole there, and that’s assuming Boyd gets top 6.
Unless they sign a cheap vet, I’m guessing Nystrom is headed for Moss’ spot with Conroy and GlenX.
by Robert Cleave on Jul 1, 2009 9:52 AM PDT up reply actions
hm. i thought peters had another year….
i would definitely like to see ink on the pardy and boyd contracts.
They’re vulnerable if someone offer sheets Boyd, because they can’t really pay him any more than a million. If another team sees him as a potential top-sixer, it could be trouble.
by Robert Cleave on Jul 1, 2009 9:56 AM PDT up reply actions
With the current roster, he will. They aren’t exactly overrun with skill guys in the minors, so they’ll give him a chance.
by Robert Cleave on Jul 1, 2009 9:55 AM PDT up reply actions
cancel that. here’s the BIG question: is anyone else concerned that aucoin, warrener, and cammalleri are gone from the flames roster on their website, but bertuzzi and roy are still there ?
(i’m also trying to recall if bertuzzi had an A beside it yesterday…. didn’t someone screencap that in the comments somewhere ? where did that go…..?)
by walkinvisible on Jul 1, 2009 10:00 AM PDT up reply actions
That’s been there forever (the “A” that is).
Don’t worry about it too much. We can’t AFFORD Bertuzzi.
don’t tell me not to worry. i’m WORRYING.
by walkinvisible on Jul 1, 2009 10:02 AM PDT up reply actions
I actually felt ill when I read that, and I had to go check to see if you needed to refresh your browser. Keeping Roy would make absolutely no sense to me. I think we would all re-sign Bertuzzi if it was cheap enough. He has limited options, and he has big preferences (Canada…big market…) and T.O. can’t take him. Burke is done with Bert. So… how low can he go?
The problem is they’d get seduced by him making a good pass, and he’d be right back with Iginla.
by Robert Cleave on Jul 1, 2009 10:02 AM PDT up reply actions
really? I know that’s how you feel, and how I feel, but I would take him for 1 million… I would hate to sign the contract, but 1 million for Bertuzzi?
I dont think Bertuzzi helps teams win. His skill set is undeniable, but the combination of penalty-taking, give-aways, lazy defensive play and injury proneness makes him a no go at any price for me.
He isn’t a difference maker by any stretch but I wonder what kind of marginal utility he has over a player on a league min contract and getting fourth line minutes. For instance, Todd Bertuzzi vs. Brandon Prust? I don’t honestly know who is better (if both are league min contracts).
i would take brandon prust every single time.
and i know duncan would jump in here and agree if he was around. he loves prusty.
by walkinvisible on Jul 1, 2009 10:06 AM PDT up reply actions
Wholeheartidly agree. Do you think Sutter thinks Brother Sutter can straighten him out? That’s my fear, I think Dutter might believe Bert has potential to be tamed.
bert is too effin’ old to be tamed. spend the time trying to change a prospect who will have a bigger upside.
by walkinvisible on Jul 1, 2009 10:06 AM PDT up reply actions
i honestly think that andre roy holds value at league minimum (the dude keeps it light…. funny pays the bills) and i still don’t like the thought of him. bert ? ugh.
by walkinvisible on Jul 1, 2009 10:04 AM PDT up reply actions
This team won’t have the firepower to afford a defensive liability. He’s a luxury item, and not a good one, either.
by Robert Cleave on Jul 1, 2009 10:04 AM PDT up reply actions
Ok, I don’t know why I’m putting myself on the other side of this… I freakin hate Bertuzzi, I just thought that for 1 million bucks it could happen, but if you guys want him gone, I’d be happy with that. Out the door sucka!
he’s staying. fuck. my roommate heard some quotes about him being excited about the season blah blah blah and i was hoping it was wishful thinking on bert’s part. but now, with this website fiasco, i’d say he’s here another year.
by walkinvisible on Jul 1, 2009 10:11 AM PDT up reply actions
Don't blame me for that
It’s not my fault. It better be for no more than 1 million… but I doubt that will be the case.
Agreed
Seriously look back at last year – he’s worth nothing, no matter what line he’s on. He has talent, but makes everyone around him worse because he’s so scattershot on the ice, he’s impossible to play with. Everyone please stop talking about taking him back for a million, he’s worth less than Greentree, DVDG, Sutter, etc.
6th best QC and QT, +1 EV, 1.47 pts/60. Decent Corsi. Pretty vanilla numbers. He’s not worth more than the cluster of guys like Moss, Bourque, GlenX, and Conroy. At least, not to the Flames.
by Robert Cleave on Jul 1, 2009 10:10 AM PDT up reply actions
If they could afford him, he’s worth a look. He had a good enough playoff that his price might be out of range for a guy who’ll be 6th to 9th forward.
by Robert Cleave on Jul 1, 2009 10:05 AM PDT up reply actions
Boyd
So, someone school me here. the deal with Boyd is just that the Flames have the option to counter correct?
They can match, or take the draft picks.
by Robert Cleave on Jul 1, 2009 10:11 AM PDT up reply actions
flames gave him a qualifying offer which (i believe) he’s yet to sign. if another team signs him to an offer sheet, flames can match or they let him go for compensation. this is how i understand it, anyways.
by walkinvisible on Jul 1, 2009 10:12 AM PDT up reply actions
that’s what I thought. So why was inside the Flames saying he is definitely back? It doesn’t sound like a done deal to me.
it’s possible that he accepted the qualifying offer, i’m just not sure that was announced… on the flipside, how rad would it be if chucko got an offersheet ? ;)
by walkinvisible on Jul 1, 2009 10:13 AM PDT up reply actions
Now that would be a draft pick I’d happily accept.
by Robert Cleave on Jul 1, 2009 10:14 AM PDT up reply actions
Ok, that’s what I thought too… I’m just remembering your post from last year about the injury bug, and have always liked that the Flames carried 7 NHL defensemen… now it looks like 6. Just thinking that out.
Might as well stash the kid on the farm. No cap hit while he’s there and he can play rather than sit in the press-box. If someone gets hurt, then call him up.
Speeds had a good post about that last week. If your 21st-23rd guys on the roster are waiver-exempt, keep ‘em on the farm so they stay sharp, and it’s an easy cap space saver. VDG and Pelech are those sort of guys if they don’t make the 4th line or 3rd D pair.
by Robert Cleave on Jul 1, 2009 10:28 AM PDT up reply actions
If they sign Pardy, I’d rather have Pelech playing every night in the A than watching. He’s still developing as a player. Last time I checked, WestJet has has 4 or 5 non-stops a day from Abbotsford to Calgary. If they need a guy in a hurry, it won’t be hard.
by Robert Cleave on Jul 1, 2009 10:23 AM PDT up reply actions
Predictable like the swallows to Capistrano. Cammelleri would have stayed in Calgary, but I’m sure Toronto was always going to make a serious run at him.
by Robert Cleave on Jul 1, 2009 10:41 AM PDT up reply actions
Particularly if they couldn’t sign the Sedins.
by Robert Cleave on Jul 1, 2009 10:42 AM PDT up reply actions
Is this the window where he and Kaberle can’t exercise it because the Leafs didn’t make the playoffs? I recall reading something along that line earlier this year.
He’s a gooder, Kent, no doubt. I wonder how long Nathan Horton’s rope is. He’s had his share of issues with consistency and effort, aand he isn’t cheap anymore.
by Robert Cleave on Jul 1, 2009 10:50 AM PDT up reply actions
Craig Anderson to Colorado at 1.8 million for 2 years. Who has the better SV%, him or Kipper? Place your bets…
That’s a great move by COL. Flames daft pick!
No, they were daft in letting him go ;)
by Robert Cleave on Jul 1, 2009 10:51 AM PDT up reply actions
Ha! and easily forgiven. I don’t think today is one where any one stands on ceremony.
by Robert Cleave on Jul 1, 2009 10:54 AM PDT up reply actions
That’s an easy one…but if all goalie’s were measured by one successful season of sv% we would still have Jim Carey playing in the league
Or a guy could have 2 and a half good years, and you could sign him to deal with a 5.83333 million cap hit until hell freezes over. Just saying…
by Robert Cleave on Jul 1, 2009 10:52 AM PDT up reply actions
Hey, I’m not defending that either. Just don’t think Anderson is a starter… just a good back-up or a 1B, which is good for COL… and that price isn’t terrible.
Fair enough. I think he’s ready, but differing opinions are not out of line by any stretch. He’s not a lock.
by Robert Cleave on Jul 1, 2009 10:56 AM PDT up reply actions
Fair enough, although Anderson’s results in both the NHL and AHL over the last few years are encouraging.
Yeah, I just thought that COL would have tried harder to land Gustavsson, but I guess Burke is all over that.
Gustavsson is likely a leaf. http://www.cbc.ca/sports/hockey/story/2009/06/28/sp-gustavsson-search.html
Hossa to CHI done?
Blackhawks are an emerging super power I’d say. If they can manage their payroll properly as their kids mature, that is.
If they grab Hossa, I guess that means giving up on Havlat? I would rather have Havlat…if he didn’t get injured so much.
Roloson to NYI…with Conklin, Anderson and Gusstavson off the board, who is going to play net for EDM?
According to the Denver Post, Calgary has contacted Ian Lapperiere. That’s not a signing I’d like to see, given the Flames extremely limited budget room and needs elsewhere.
i heard this on the fan960. i don’t get that at all. why does darryl sutter insist on making some awesome draft day moves and then screw it all up with the over-the-hill vet signings on july 2 ?
by walkinvisible on Jul 1, 2009 11:53 AM PDT up reply actions
Hopefully it doesn’t come to pass. I dont mind Laperriere, but he doesn’t really fill a need on the club. And, as you say, he’s getting into the twilight years.
but seriously. it happens EVERY YEAR. july 1st/2nd signings include vandermeer and eriksson (in recent memory). obviously glenX is exempt from this angst.
by walkinvisible on Jul 1, 2009 12:00 PM PDT up reply actions
Im watching the action with the author of www.nhlnumbers.com today. His site has had 75,000 hits in the last day and half.
nice !!! i’ve been trying to go there in the past 24 hours and it keeps telling me it’s under construction or whatever (obviously).
by walkinvisible on Jul 1, 2009 12:00 PM PDT up reply actions
Nope. It’s a guy named Christian who lives in town and was a contributor to FHF way back when. Here’s the original post when he first made the site.
Vic runs timeonice, which is also invaluable in its own way.
by Robert Cleave on Jul 1, 2009 12:07 PM PDT up reply actions
I’m seeing that Khabibulin is UFA this year. Is that right? That would be a good target for Edmonton.
He is, but he’ll want a pile. If they lose the Heatley sweepstakes they might go that route, but he was pretty indifferent until his contract year.
by Robert Cleave on Jul 1, 2009 12:06 PM PDT up reply actions
Assuming Niedermayer is playing on the pairing that is tied to the top forward line, it was a choice of Perry, Ryan and Getzlaf v. Sedins (as far as the team play) and California vs. BC (as far as the city). I know my choice on both counts.
by R O on Jul 1, 2009 1:05 PM PDT up reply actions
We were typing at the same time, I see. Nice player, bit high on the money side, but still, nice player.
by Robert Cleave on Jul 1, 2009 12:20 PM PDT up reply actions
He’s a bit higher in Nashville’s pecking order than he would be in Calgary. He’ll get some second line time there. Good move on their part.
by Robert Cleave on Jul 1, 2009 12:27 PM PDT up reply actions
So…with Spacek signing in MTL, gainey has spent over 10M in cap space on him and Scott Gomez.
Not a good day for Canadiens fans.
I’m almost afraid to go to Inside/Out or Eyes on the Prize.
Hey, wait a minute. I hate the Habs. Tally-ho.
by Robert Cleave on Jul 1, 2009 12:58 PM PDT up reply actions
Good. I never really wavered on that. Sutter can keep his own guys around, I’ll give him that.
by Robert Cleave on Jul 1, 2009 1:04 PM PDT up reply actions
As far as the current Oiler salary structure is concerned, that’s as bad as Kipper’s contract.
by R O on Jul 1, 2009 1:08 PM PDT up reply actions
It certainly isn’t cheap. They’ve paid more for their foot soldier types (Moreau, Pisani, Staios).
by Robert Cleave on Jul 1, 2009 1:10 PM PDT up reply actions
And he’s over 35 so there’s no way they can bury him.
by R O on Jul 1, 2009 1:17 PM PDT up reply actions
I was just thinking the same. The good thing is, this makes the Oilers marginally better…over Roloson ..maybe? and reduces their spending… so likely worse. As well it makes the Blackhawks worse, which is good because they got themselves Hossa. Both good news for the Flames…except that whole battle of Alberta…Khabibulin always beats the Flames thing.
Small sample size-itis :) moving him into the division should ameliorate that.
by R O on Jul 1, 2009 1:12 PM PDT up reply actions
I do see why it was frustrating for Florida for their best player to be a bit of a stiff in public, but Calgary doesn’t exactly need to sell the game.
by Robert Cleave on Jul 1, 2009 1:12 PM PDT up reply actions
like i said yesterday to the commenter that said “enjoy the lame, vanilla interviews,” we’ve got regehr for sarcasm, iggy for feelgood comments, and noodles for hilarity. as long as jaybouw can play, i’m fine with it…. plus, he has the most incredible skin !!!! :P
by walkinvisible on Jul 1, 2009 1:16 PM PDT up reply actions
And Conroy. They should just make him the Flames’ press secretary after he retires.
by Robert Cleave on Jul 1, 2009 1:23 PM PDT up reply actions
it’s so uncomfortably bang-on that i still laugh out loud every time i look at those photos. :D
by walkinvisible on Jul 1, 2009 1:56 PM PDT up reply actions
Man, Bouwmeester is Darryl Sutter 30 years ago. The body language, everything. Hilarious. :)
Ingmar Bergman Shoots And Scores @ http://bergmanscores.blogspot.com
I just heard Sportsnet say that Gillis needs to sign 10 players with 10 million dollars? How can this possibly be? If that is the case I’d wager that their cap sitatuion could easily become ours very soon.
It is Sportsnet though so I don’t believe it.
More like 6 players.
We were talking about that at Nucks Misconduct earlier. Snet cannot count, apparently
Is that 6 to get to a 20-man bench or 6 to get to a 23-man roster?
by R O on Jul 1, 2009 1:31 PM PDT up reply actions
Though they have several young guys signed
and Wellwood was given an qualifying offer.
You would think one of LaBarbara or Sanford will sign.
Except that
Wellwood never gets penalties, is good on the PP, has beautiful hands (passing and shooting), and doesn’t get booed incessantly everywhere he goes.
He hasn’t broken any necks, either. That would be plus in his column, IMO ; )
by Robert Cleave on Jul 1, 2009 1:54 PM PDT up reply actions
and also, he looks a lot like a hamster…. :)
by walkinvisible on Jul 1, 2009 1:54 PM PDT up reply actions
(shameless reference to the best blog post i’ve ever written)
by walkinvisible on Jul 1, 2009 1:54 PM PDT up reply actions
ohmygod that’s amazing….. and (is it just me ?) does the morph look a little like rich preston ?
by walkinvisible on Jul 1, 2009 1:57 PM PDT up reply actions
Sportsnet not being able to count will be today’s least surprising development.
by Robert Cleave on Jul 1, 2009 1:33 PM PDT up reply actions
Jaybo? Darbo? Bouwsutter? Jaysutt?
Ingmar Bergman Shoots And Scores @ http://bergmanscores.blogspot.com
Not bad, Ingmar. I like the two-tone shirt in the last one…
by Robert Cleave on Jul 1, 2009 1:57 PM PDT up reply actions
Image via Reuters.
Newly aquired and signed Jay Bouwmeester and Darryl Sutter at the press conference.
Ingmar Bergman Shoots And Scores @ http://bergmanscores.blogspot.com
General comment – most of these contracts today seem pretty reasonable, with the odd exception. A lot of relatively small dollar amounts (less than 1.5M annually)…it’s like there are a lot of players who are thinking they’d better grab what’s available before they’re left without a chair.
Sounds like Cammalleri might be headed there as well.
by Robert Cleave on Jul 1, 2009 2:19 PM PDT up reply actions
There are still guys out there like Havlat and Gaborik, plus Komisarek. Burke might be trying to squeeze one of them.
by Robert Cleave on Jul 1, 2009 2:23 PM PDT up reply actions
Sportsnet says Cammalleri at 6 million per year to Montreal, five year deal. Adios, amigo, you had a good year but that’s batshit for small, one way player.
I’d rather have neither. Gimme Horcoff at 5.5 instead, or Ryan Smyth at 6.25.
by R O on Jul 1, 2009 2:48 PM PDT up reply actions
Or Stephen Weiss at 3.1, for that matter. I’d take Horcoff as well, R O. He’s completely under appreciated for outplaying the big guns.
by Robert Cleave on Jul 1, 2009 2:51 PM PDT up reply actions
Yeah, he and Langkow are very similar players. Horcoff is probably better but Langkow is a million cheaper. Take them both, and that’s your centre position locked up until you develop Backlund into a two-way guy.
by R O on Jul 1, 2009 3:00 PM PDT up reply actions
Montreal – Toronto games are going to be fun next year. Won’t even be able to recognize the Habs lineup and the Leafs will be busy trying to beat them up.
2.65 million per. That’s not bargain shopping.
by Robert Cleave on Jul 1, 2009 3:23 PM PDT up reply actions
for a guy who has never scored more than 11 goals
and whose career year was an astounding 26 points.
Yeah, I’d say that’s an overpay.
Does Columbus need shutdown that badly? I thought they were decent at 5v5 last season…
by R O on Jul 1, 2009 3:36 PM PDT up reply actions
Vicki Hall at the Herald says 700,000 per season. Cheap like borscht, people. That takes it from a good signing to excellent, IMO.
by Robert Cleave on Jul 1, 2009 3:53 PM PDT up reply actions
yep. effin’ amazing….
i absolutely admit that there are things i don’t like about darryl sutter, but what i do see in most of his contracts (with the exception of regehr, who was market value at the time of his signing) is a respect for team hierarchy. i believe he once proclaimed that nobody would make more than his captain, and he’s stuck by that (even though jarome’s 7 million is low for a team-leader). jaybouw fits in between iggy and dion and pardy slots in right where he should behind gio.
by walkinvisible on Jul 1, 2009 4:03 PM PDT up reply actions
I can hear Wi warming up that knuckle sandwich all the way from Winnipeg, Colin.
by Robert Cleave on Jul 1, 2009 4:07 PM PDT up reply actions
while sutter obviously totally overpaid for vandermeer, he still slotted him in between sarich and gio.
i just spent canada day cleaning my house. ie: i’m far too tired now to punch anyone in the face. ;)
by walkinvisible on Jul 1, 2009 5:08 PM PDT up reply actions
hanging with americans, hunh ? no wonder you’re aiming for fisticuffs….
by walkinvisible on Jul 1, 2009 5:40 PM PDT up reply actions
It’s interesting that you say that because I was thinking that the 180,000 per year that Bouwmeester makes more than Phaneuf was quite literally just that…a demonstration on hierarchy. I agreed with Bob MacKenzie when he said “no one and I mean no one will make more than Dion Phaneuf on this team” and as such I imagine that the two sides agreed to that small amount more then Phaneuf to be the symbolic penny in the pot.
Back to Bertuzzi panic
follow this link
http://flames.nhl.com/team/app/?service=page&page=NewsPage&articleid=432176
Bert is still active as is, signed Pardy…presumably signed Boyd and Chucko. Everyone else is unable to link to….as in deleted.
PUKE: Erik Duhatschek on Fan960 is saying Darryl wants him back.
by R O on Jul 1, 2009 4:18 PM PDT up reply actions
I went back to capgeek, and with Prust and VDG as forward 10 and 11, and Boyd at 900k, the Flames are 3.8 million under the cap with 19 players signed (11F, 6D, 2G). I minorized Primeau. That leaves them enough to sign a useful forward, two if they smart shop. I don’t think they’ll carry an extra D, because it would appear that the first 4 candidates to be the 7th D (Pelech, Palin, Negrin and Aulie) are all waiver-exempt. They can all be on hot standby in Abbotsford. If Greentree ends up being one of the two forwards, that’s 2.5-3 million for one guy. Do we see a meaningful July 2 or 3 move?
Yeah, I had just done the same with 6 “d” and with Boyd at 850,000… Primeau down and Prust and Greentree in. It means needing two more guys and having 3.7 to do it with.
psst.
can we leave room for replacement players this year, please ?
by walkinvisible on Jul 1, 2009 5:12 PM PDT up reply actions
I’d like to leave most of a million myself, WI, but I’m not sure Sutter shares that apprehension. I’m sure he thinks last year was a fluke.
by Robert Cleave on Jul 1, 2009 5:27 PM PDT up reply actions
not sure a million’s enough.
not to start the season, anyways…. maybe by xmas.
by walkinvisible on Jul 1, 2009 5:46 PM PDT up reply actions
....
Looks like a modern day Lynn Loyns
http://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/pdisplay.php?pid=31107
"It's a great day for hockey" - BBJ
by jealous broadcaster on Jul 1, 2009 9:44 PM PDT up reply actions
They ran Mason into the ground the second half. Good idea to get someone with a bit of experience.
by Robert Cleave on Jul 1, 2009 4:39 PM PDT up reply actions
Gaborik for 5.75M, 5 years, to NYR.
Edmonton fans are going to go apeshit as they wanted him and badly. But New York and Gaborik seem like they are made for each other.
didn’t Gaborik score 5 against the Rangers recently?
That’s actually not a bad contract at all for Gabbers, even though he’s an injury risk.
Yup. If he plays 60 games a year, that would almost be as much as you could hope for.
by Robert Cleave on Jul 1, 2009 5:32 PM PDT up reply actions
this is my point.
forsberg money = big contract that will be paid out even though the dude will only play half the games.
by walkinvisible on Jul 1, 2009 5:47 PM PDT up reply actions
Yeah, that makes more sense, since Ron Salcer was reportedly asking teams for 10 years at that number.
by Robert Cleave on Jul 1, 2009 5:31 PM PDT up reply actions
I think Canuck fans wanted him more, even after Sedin’s signed (as unlikely as that would have been, with cap issues). Not sure the Oilers have any cap room either, without some D-man moves.
Gionta to Montreal, 25 mil over 5 years.
That’s mental, I’m sorry. Someone please take the keys away from Bob Gainey before he hurts himself.
According to Dreger...
…Gionta signed in MTL. 5 years 5M…Gainey actually gave him a raise!
MTL management is right off the rails.
Nobody!
And I think I’d have preferred Tanguay to Gionta, Gomez or Cammalleri…wow, what a day to be a Habs fan.
quote from my boy strombo (the biggest habs fan i know): “the habs are gonna break my heart this year.”
by walkinvisible on Jul 1, 2009 5:48 PM PDT up reply actions
I read that earlier. If the Heatley fiasco goes into the night again, it’ll another evening to pass the popcorn at Lowetide’s as well.
Sutter has his faults, but he’s leak-resistant, and deals actually get done with out much fuss.
by Robert Cleave on Jul 1, 2009 5:49 PM PDT up reply actions
this is totally me listening to the fan 960 and going “wait a sec…. uh……. i love sjöstrom !!!” uh, whoah….. um. i’m stunned….. uh……
if i squeed, i would do it now.
instead, i’m gonna have to try to figure out how the hell long it’s gonna take for the flames to release the third jersey, cause i’m earmarking a #11 (?).
is it embarassing that i thought his jersey number was actually the slot he was drafted ? it’s not embarassing, right ? it just makes me a total loser, right ?
by walkinvisible on Jul 1, 2009 11:55 PM PDT up reply actions
what are you DOING ??!
the flames just signed SJÖSTROM !!!!
by walkinvisible on Jul 1, 2009 5:59 PM PDT up reply actions
Sjostrom really made almost 2 mil last year? If he signed for more than half that, well, I don’t see it, with WI’s feelings on the matter certainly noted.
And Madden to the Hawks, 2.75 million for one year.
That works just fine. Is there one more move in the hopper?
by Robert Cleave on Jul 1, 2009 6:26 PM PDT up reply actions
i expect future posts on this guy to have his name spelled correctly.
including the umlaut.
by walkinvisible on Jul 1, 2009 11:45 PM PDT up reply actions
What about Mike Grier?? probably would have been a reality before Shoos but talking to a Rangers fan says he’s a pretty good penalty killer, aggressive and a forechecks well, I’m looking forward to him.
And was Pardy’s deal was a 1 way deal or 2 way?
I’m thinking 1 way. They have a pile of young D on 2 ways already.
by Robert Cleave on Jul 1, 2009 6:32 PM PDT up reply actions
Alright thanks
Just put Freddy’s contract in the Calculator, and we have approximately $2,802,501…… If only we could get rid of that Primeau contract.
I’ve said this plenty, but I don’t think Primeau’s deal should even enter into any calculations Sutter makes. If they were willing to ship Eriksson’s 1.5 million to QC, sending a similar deal to Abbotsford shouldn’t be an issue. It’s ownership’s money, but why let it get in the way. You don’t sign Jay Bouwmeester if little crap is going to hold you back.
by Robert Cleave on Jul 1, 2009 6:39 PM PDT up reply actions
Assuming our top 6 is Iggy-Jokinen-Langkow-Bourque-Moss-X
Our bottm is Conroy-Glencross-Nystrom-Prust-Sjorstrom-Y
X is probably going to be an acquisition (it had better not be Bertuzzi), Y should be DVDG or someone in-house. Yeah Grier is no longer an option.
One of those letters will be Dustin Boyd.
by Robert Cleave on Jul 1, 2009 6:40 PM PDT up reply actions
Whoops, Boyd is one of those.
Kent, Prust is already on the bottom-six list. Are you saying Prust should be out of the bottom 6 entirely? I could live with it but not sure if our cap will handle more than league min in his spot.
by R O on Jul 1, 2009 8:53 PM PDT up reply actions
I wonder what happened with Havlat. Here is his Twitter, which hints at a sudden rift with management:
by R O on Jul 1, 2009 8:51 PM PDT up reply actions
Doesn’t sound like he has any issue with Hossa at all.
by Robert Cleave on Jul 1, 2009 9:57 PM PDT up reply actions
There’s something to be said for loyalty and honor.
That’s Havlat’s last tweet, from a couple of hours ago. Something must have gone to hell in Chicago, because he took a contract with a smaller cap hit than Hossa, over a shorter term. You can make an argument that Hossa’s better, but this seems personal.
by Robert Cleave on Jul 1, 2009 9:57 PM PDT up reply actions
5 million for 6 years. Guy is 28, in his prime and likely staying there for four of the next six years.
Sheesh what a steal. I know I’d rather have this guy than Jokinen.
Best signing of the day I would say.
by R O on Jul 1, 2009 9:02 PM PDT up reply actions
In a retirement community, appropriately enough.
So long shinpad. I was probably harder on you than I should have been.
give our regards to lombo and vandy…. hope your paycheques come thru.
by walkinvisible on Jul 2, 2009 9:01 AM PDT up reply actions
With all of the ‘Brand Protection’ that Gary Bettman attempts with the NHL (which usually just results with him being seen as an ass) I think it is bizarre that the NHL website is not the first place to hear about transactions. The league has to approve deals correct?, so how can they not have the first-hand information? I understand that it takes hours or days to finalize deals but it’s quite funny that the NHL page lists transactions with an asterisk beside them saying " *TSN report " – Maybe Buttman should work that kink out.
Anyway, I digress, I was just trying to find out how dumb the Coyotes have been today taking another aging high priced defenseman off the Flames hands. In other words…it’s a one year term, but what’s the payout? I’m glad there are Phoenix’s, Atlanta’s, Montreal’s and Ranger’s out there to make me feel better about past Sutter decisions
If their contracts are identical,
I do that deal in a nanosecond. And I’m not down on Phaneuf at all. But Nash is probably a Top 10 NHLer for the next 5+ years.
uhhhhhh…. that’s a bit disconcerting, kent.
would i do it with dion under contract for 5 years for nash’s last season ? i’m not sure…. dion is such a tossup right now due to his showing last year; was it an anomaly related to keenan and injury ? or has he plateaued ???? obviously, if it’s the former, and under brent (and after surgery) he can continue to develop then he’s good value at 6.5, and if it’s the latter, we need to unload him ASAP.
i think i’m banking on the former…. so maybe i’d not do the nash trade right now.
by walkinvisible on Jul 2, 2009 10:15 AM PDT up reply actions
Call me crazy but I wouldn’t do it for two reasons.
First: Their contracts are identical today, and I would assume that if Columbus is far apart from Nash he is looking for a big raise, and that would have to come next year, bad for Calgary is the Cap goes down as expected.
Second: I am totally on board with Sutter’s plan to keep this Defensive unit togther long term barring some kind of disaster. The first contracts to come up are Pardy and Gio, which is appropriate, then Sarich (‘13), Regher (’14) and Phaneuf and Bouwmeester in 2014-15. I would say, by that point in time you arguably are looking at two potential Norris trophy winning defenseman on the same team…long term. That is quite an accomplishment by Sutter.
Jeez, it sure is weird to be writing and contemplating the dates 2014.
The issue for me is the apparent down-turn by Jarome Iginla and the total lack of heavy lifters on the Flames forward ranks after that. Calgary now has 2 (potentially 3) top quality defensemen, but if Jarome continues to slide, there is no heir apparent to him anywhere in the Flames system. Nash for Phaneuf would be dealing from strength and shoring up a weakness.
I see where you are coming from, but I also think it might be a bit early to say that. That would be like dealing Lidstrom for Jagr. 6-8 years ago, because Stevie Y was falling off, which is not a move I would have done for a number of reasons. But anyway, I do see your point.
True, and at the time the didn’t have a JBO and Regher equivalent in my opinion either. It would be interesting to have the option for sure, maybe I would just like to see how this defensive experiment would pan out.
I’m afraid it would be like when the Canucks signed Vanbiesbrouk and then let him go on to Florida and Stanley Cup finals success…only to wonder what might have been, and then put up with a slough of Potvin’s, Weekes’, Irbe’s, Snow’s, Skudra’s and other has-been goalies .
That’s always the risk in trading a high quality player. I fear that decision is fast approaching, however, given the Flames salary structure, their array of defensive talent and the total dearth of legit stars in the hopper after Jarome.
The risk isn’t trading a high quality player, it’s trading a player whose true value is impossible to ascertain right now. The possible range for Phaneuf is very broad – perhaps there’s something to be said for trading that guy if you think the lower end of the range is most likely, but I don’t think anyone in Calgary, least of all Sutter, thinks the lower end of the range is most likely.
Having said that, I’d trade Phaneuf for Nash in a second, based on the current roster, IF Nash was signed to more than one year. Based on the fact that he is UFA next year, though, I’d be reluctant to make that deal.
Of course, it would be ironic to have both Nash and Bouwmeester considering the draft debate of 2002 as to who would go first…and it’s funny (and telling) to see that Atlanta figured they might as well take a goalie #2 instead of Bouwmeester, because they’re such a well run organization!
i realize this now. i re-commented on the kronwall thread.
by walkinvisible on Jul 2, 2009 10:27 AM PDT up reply actions
Should Sutter stop signing while he is ahead?
I’m just looking at NHL numbers right now and it breaks down like this.
Goalies – check
A great 6 man defensive unit – check
12 forwards – nope….but with Boyd – check
Guys on the farm to make up 23…Greentree, DVDG, Pelech – check.
3.050million to spare (minus Boyd’s hit) – check
Ok, I’m over simplifying things, because Primeau is not going to be our third line right wing, but that is my point. Please avoid signing Bertuzzi and/or Roy and find someone who will take Primeau and a third rounder for a third line right wing. Maybe we don’t need to sign anyone else…we just have to trade Primeau over the next 3 months.
It does sound dodgy, but I’m excited by a Nystrom, Prust, Sjustrom 4th line – little guys with speed and energy, with two who can chuck the knuckles.
Coyotes
Ok, so I have been dissing the Coyotes for taking Aucoin and Vandy….but looking at their roster and their 23 million dollars of free cap space and I gotta admit, those top 8 forwards are some pretty fancy players with some pretty small paychecks. Maybe I shouldn’t be so tough on them for forking out 2.25 for Aucoin.
i’d put bertuzzi on the blueline before i signed leopold.
ZING !
by walkinvisible on Jul 2, 2009 4:37 PM PDT up reply actions
Leopold certainly had his issues, but whoever thought they could pair him with another chaos defender, as Phaneuf certainly was last year, was asking for trouble. Put him on a second or third pair with a guy who doesn’t take chances, and he’ll show better. He would have been fine with someone like Sarich over the course of a year. It’s a fair contract. Peter De Boer is a smart cookie, so I’d bet he figures out how to deploy Leopold a hell of a lot better than Mike Keenan ever did. I suspect Brent Sutter would have as well.
I’d rather have Bouwmeester, though ; )
by Robert Cleave on Jul 2, 2009 4:53 PM PDT up reply actions
Need capable top 6 forward… someone with some skill, creativity & grit… someone like… MIKE COMRIE… come on Mike, 2 or 3 year deal for 2.7-2.9 per… move to the left side with Langkow & Iginla and play Mr. Set-up Man…THOUGHTS?
I somehow don’t think Comrie would sign for a reasonable amount (read: 2M or less). Although he would probably enjoy sticking it to EDM.
Ahh, good to know. Im more active here since these are my own digs.
As for Comrie, Im not sure what to make of him. I wasn’t impressed with his behavior in Edmonton and his output has steadily declined for years. His numbers from last year are obviously awful, but a lot of that has to do with his surroundings so he’s really tough to gauge.
Not a free agent signing but close enough. Ryan Smyth to the Kings for Preissing, Quincy and a 5th (basically a throw-in). Lowetide speculating that Colorado is making a play for Heatley.
Damn, Smyth is a fine fine player. MattF’s proposed Smyth-Kipper exchange at BoA would’ve topped the Bouwmeester signing as Sutter’s move of the summer (if he could have pulled it off).
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