The Flames departed the post season in the first round and now are left with questions as to what free agents, both restricted and unrestricted, they should keep. After many players failed to show up against the Red Wings these questions are being looked at even closer.
Per Spector’s Trade Rumors, these are the Calgary free agents going into the summer:
Unrestricted
Tony Amonte, Craig Conroy, Brad Ference, Jeff Friesen, Roman Hamrlik, Darren McCarty, Jamie McLennan, Marcus Nilson, Wayne Primeau, Byron Ritchie, Brad Stuart
Restricted (of interest)
Eric Godard, David Hale, Matt Lombardi, Richie Regher
Per HockeyAnalysis.com this is what the Flames cap situation looks like (link: http://www.hockeyanalysis.com/?page_id=331 )
(salaries are for this year and the following the years)
Jarome Iginla
7,000,000
7,000,000
Alex Tanguay
5,250,000
5,250,000
5,250,000
Roman Hamrlik
3,500,000
Miikka Kiprusoff
3,333,000
3,333,000
Daymond Langkow
2,500,000
2,500,000
Craig Conroy
2,394,000
2,394,000
Rhett Warrener
2,350,000
2,350,000
2,350,000
Brad Stuart
2,150,000
Robyn Regehr
1,900,000
1,900,000
Tony Amonte
1,850,000
Jeff Friesen
1,600,000
Stephane Yelle
1,550,000
1,550,000
Kristian Huselius
1,500,000
1,500,000
Andrei Zyuzin
1,400,000
1,400,000
Marcus Nilson
1,368,000
Wayne Primeau
1,125,000
Matthew Lombardi
800,000
Darren McCarty
800,000
Jamie McLennan
575,000
Dion Phaneuf
471,200
Mark Giordano
450,000
Eric Godard
450,000
(Numbers below will be addressed in the millions).
It seems that the Flames have been happy with the play of deadline acquisition of Brad Stuart, who though managed only five assists was a +10 opposed to a –13 with Boston. Sutter likes a strong defense more than anything, so he will want to retain two free agents in Stuart and Roman Hamrlik.
Stuart made $2.15 million and will look to double that if not more. Hamrlik, while still effective is starting his down turn but regardless is still a valuable member of the Flames blue line. He made $3.50 million and will look for that, if not slightly less.
Two players that are most assuredly not returning will by Tony Amonte ($1.85) and Jeff Friesen ($1.50). Neither provided much to the team and both are fading fast. That will leave an additional $3.35 million to work with. Per TSN, Lombardi has already agreed to an extension, but the amount is unknown. It will presumably be a raise over his $.80 this year.
Wayne Primeau did play well in his time at Calgary, but he is easily replaceable and definitely at less than the $1.125 million he makes. Darren McCarty also had a sub-par season, in great deal due to injuries that seem to be catching up to him, so his $.80 will most likely be freed also.
So already there is $4.15 guaranteed space between Amonte, Friesen and McCarty.
However, Nilsson is most likely going to be retained and Phaneuf absolutely will be. He will be seeking a large raise over his rookie deal, and expect no less than $3 million per year (and that’s being generous). This leaves Calgary that $4.15 to retain three key members of their blue line. However, all of that could end up be spent on just Phaneuf alone.
The biggest problem looms next year though. Both Captain Iginla and goaltender Kiprusoff will be due new contracts. Kipper will definitely be seeking a raise over his $3.33 after multiple all star appearances and strong playoff showings. Iginla makes $7.00 and will probably be reluctant to take less and Kiprusoff may seek $6.00+ for his next deal.
But the thing is the two best players aren’t the only two up for contract the following year. The rest include other key members like Regehr, Huselius, Langkow, Yelle and Zyuzin. Regehr will definitely want more than his $1.90 deal and he is too key a member of the defense to give up.
To sum up don’t expect Calgary to be active in free agency, and don’t expect them to retain all their free agents. I would say it’s likely one of Stuart or Hamrlik will not return due to budget constraints. And while there is already talk of Iginla being dealt next year, and if faced with the choice of deadline Iginla or Kiprussof I would take Kiprussof, I wont be surprised if Sutter finds room for both.
-Jordan
Saturday, April 28, 2007
Tuesday, April 24, 2007
Tampa's Big 3 Not Going Anywhere
The recent news of Tampa wanting to cut their payroll has once again sent the trade rumors into overdrive concerning the Big Three of Lecavalier, Richards and St. Louis. I can assure that none of these three will be dealt.
St. Louis and Richards both have no trade clauses and enjoy being in Tampa where both have won a cup and became top players in the league. So even if Feaster was to work out a deal for them chances are they would decline to be moved.
That leaves Lecavalier. He is the only one of the three who does not have a NTC, but as long as Feaster is GM he might as well. Everytime a rumor pops up Feaster reiterates he refuses to be the guy who goes down in history as having dealt Lecavalier (for those that don’t remember, Vinny was incredibly hyped during his draft year). In addition he has become the Bolts best player, elevating his game to a dominant level and earning his large contract. He became extremely clutch this year and emerged as the Lightnings go to guy in nearly every situation.
So with these three gone, who does that leave for Feaster to trim? Fedotenko has already said he will not return which is of no surprise given his declining play since 2004, which frees up $1.65 million. Dan Boyle’s name comes up, but he is their best defenseman and also has a NTC, so he will not be dealt.
The name becoming more frequent is that of goaltender Marc Denis. Denis was supposed to be the stabilizing factor in the goaltending equation, but his sub-par play only unbalanced it even more. Johan Holmqvist, who was supposed to be the back up, took the starters job. With a salary of over $3 million the next two years, Denis will be unmovable. Head coach John Tortoralla smartly stated that Holmqvist isn’t the de facto starter next season, hoping Denis can rebound.
So who does this leave for the Bolts to trim that would have a significant impact? Maybe Prospal, but that is really it. With a lack of secondary scoring expect him to be retained. This brings us back to people who will continue to suggest one of the big three will get dealt.
Look, two of these guys are untradable just from clauses in their contract. All three have a hefty salary that other teams most likely either cannot afford to bring on or do not have the cap space to do so. Lecavalier is the most important player on the team and won the Rocket Richard trophy.
These three are not going anywhere.
-Jordan
St. Louis and Richards both have no trade clauses and enjoy being in Tampa where both have won a cup and became top players in the league. So even if Feaster was to work out a deal for them chances are they would decline to be moved.
That leaves Lecavalier. He is the only one of the three who does not have a NTC, but as long as Feaster is GM he might as well. Everytime a rumor pops up Feaster reiterates he refuses to be the guy who goes down in history as having dealt Lecavalier (for those that don’t remember, Vinny was incredibly hyped during his draft year). In addition he has become the Bolts best player, elevating his game to a dominant level and earning his large contract. He became extremely clutch this year and emerged as the Lightnings go to guy in nearly every situation.
So with these three gone, who does that leave for Feaster to trim? Fedotenko has already said he will not return which is of no surprise given his declining play since 2004, which frees up $1.65 million. Dan Boyle’s name comes up, but he is their best defenseman and also has a NTC, so he will not be dealt.
The name becoming more frequent is that of goaltender Marc Denis. Denis was supposed to be the stabilizing factor in the goaltending equation, but his sub-par play only unbalanced it even more. Johan Holmqvist, who was supposed to be the back up, took the starters job. With a salary of over $3 million the next two years, Denis will be unmovable. Head coach John Tortoralla smartly stated that Holmqvist isn’t the de facto starter next season, hoping Denis can rebound.
So who does this leave for the Bolts to trim that would have a significant impact? Maybe Prospal, but that is really it. With a lack of secondary scoring expect him to be retained. This brings us back to people who will continue to suggest one of the big three will get dealt.
Look, two of these guys are untradable just from clauses in their contract. All three have a hefty salary that other teams most likely either cannot afford to bring on or do not have the cap space to do so. Lecavalier is the most important player on the team and won the Rocket Richard trophy.
These three are not going anywhere.
-Jordan
Thursday, April 19, 2007
League Happenings
Phoenix clears house, including GM Mike Barnett
I have long been a proponent for getting rid of Barnett in Phoenix (and as you will see in my GM rankings coming soon, he is at the bottom regardless of being canned) as he just doesnt know how to handle a roster. This is the best off season move the Coyotes could have made. The next best? The one that wont happen: Gretzky removed from behind the bench. He will most liekly follow up this year with another dissapointing season then step away saying something like "i'm not doing as well as i thought" or "my passion isnt in the right place" or some other BS excuse trying to cover for the fact he is not a good coach. He wont be fired because he's Wayne though.
Blue Jackets fire GM Doug McLean
Much like Barnett, the firing of McLean was expected after multiple poor seasons. His failure to elevate the Blue Jackets in any way from their expansion days sealed his fate. The only imrpovements have come in the way of high draft picks, but that will only take you so far. Look for some player changes this coming off season.
Prediction: Waddell next to go
The Thrashers entered the playoffs for the first time, making to desperation moves in getting Keith Tkachuk and Alexei Zhitnik at the deadline. And in spectacular fashion they rolled over and died with little more than a whimper. The big guns of Atlanta failed to produce in any way, and Waddell, who was under scrutiny this year, will most likely be the one to get the ax, especially after the prices he paid to get the deadline players. I think with a new GM you will see an overhaul of the team, with the likes of Tkachuk and Holik, both high salaries and little production in the playoffs, will be gone and the money spent elsewhere.
Red Wings sign Pavel Datsyuk to 7 years 47 million
I dont think anyone will deny Datsyuk is a major talent, but this is too much for him. Yes, he is good and he is having a decent palyoff right now, the first of his career, but let's be hoenst: Datsyuk is not a dominate player. Talented, yes, flashy at times, yes. But how often is it that he can single handedly take over a game? Very rarely. This much money should be reserved for players who will night in and night out have a major affect on the momentum of a game (like Crosby, Lecavalier) and I just dont see that with Datsyuk.
-Jordan
I have long been a proponent for getting rid of Barnett in Phoenix (and as you will see in my GM rankings coming soon, he is at the bottom regardless of being canned) as he just doesnt know how to handle a roster. This is the best off season move the Coyotes could have made. The next best? The one that wont happen: Gretzky removed from behind the bench. He will most liekly follow up this year with another dissapointing season then step away saying something like "i'm not doing as well as i thought" or "my passion isnt in the right place" or some other BS excuse trying to cover for the fact he is not a good coach. He wont be fired because he's Wayne though.
Blue Jackets fire GM Doug McLean
Much like Barnett, the firing of McLean was expected after multiple poor seasons. His failure to elevate the Blue Jackets in any way from their expansion days sealed his fate. The only imrpovements have come in the way of high draft picks, but that will only take you so far. Look for some player changes this coming off season.
Prediction: Waddell next to go
The Thrashers entered the playoffs for the first time, making to desperation moves in getting Keith Tkachuk and Alexei Zhitnik at the deadline. And in spectacular fashion they rolled over and died with little more than a whimper. The big guns of Atlanta failed to produce in any way, and Waddell, who was under scrutiny this year, will most likely be the one to get the ax, especially after the prices he paid to get the deadline players. I think with a new GM you will see an overhaul of the team, with the likes of Tkachuk and Holik, both high salaries and little production in the playoffs, will be gone and the money spent elsewhere.
Red Wings sign Pavel Datsyuk to 7 years 47 million
I dont think anyone will deny Datsyuk is a major talent, but this is too much for him. Yes, he is good and he is having a decent palyoff right now, the first of his career, but let's be hoenst: Datsyuk is not a dominate player. Talented, yes, flashy at times, yes. But how often is it that he can single handedly take over a game? Very rarely. This much money should be reserved for players who will night in and night out have a major affect on the momentum of a game (like Crosby, Lecavalier) and I just dont see that with Datsyuk.
-Jordan
Wednesday, April 11, 2007
Canes and Oilers Fates no Surprise
Both the Stanley Cup champions and runner up failed to make the post season this year. Many are acting shocked, but honestly, was this really that big of a surprise?
We’ll start with the Oilers. Things almost literally went bad from day one when their best player Chris Pronger asked for a trade for family reasons. The man who was probably the biggest reason they got to the finals up and left the team, dealing not only a blow to the teams blue line, but also their morale. This was compacted by the Oilers inability to lure any free agent defensemen, or land one in return for Pronger, during the off season as arguably their second best defenseman in Jaroslav Spacek would not resign with them.
With a weakened blue line and what many perceived as a stab in the back by Pronger things already were looking down, but not bleak. As the year progressed injuries to key players like Ales Hemsky, playoff hero Fernando Pisani and Ethan Moreau things just kept getting worse. So desperate for replacements was Kevin Lowe he claimed Petr Nedved off waivers whom the Flyers had placed one wiavers several times with no takers.
But the thing is, of the playoff heroes in Hemsky, Pisani and goaltender Dwayne Roloson, you have to look at how good these three really are. Hemsky is a skilled speedy forward yes, but not approaching all star caliber. Pisani has never achieved much in the regular season, and it was believed (as shown by his multi-million dollar contract) he could continue his torrid playoff scoring into next season. Not to my surprise he failed to do so, often not being much of a factor on the Oilers offense. Roloson is 37, and at this point you can't expect him to get any better, nor really play at the high level he did during the playoffs.
Too much faith was put into players playoff performance as it was assumed they could all repeat those next year. Never assume. Lowe did and it came back to bite them as many underachieved.
The final blow came at the trade deadline. Unable to reach a deal with Ryan Smyth, he was dealt to the Islanders for picks and prospects. This ripped the heart out of the team and the ship quickly sunk, winning only three games in their last twenty one.
The Hurricanes were a bit different. They came from nowhere to win the cup, almost everyone predicting they would be bottom feeders that year (myself included). Instead the new rules helped them immensely and they became an eastern powerhouse before anyone knew it.
One of the Canes strengths was that their talent was spread out. This was hurt by the departures of Aaron Ward and Matt Cullen. While not severe blows, both were good players that contributed.
The Canes also made the mistake of believing their players would all playa t the same high level during the playoffs. But players such as Eric Staal and Cam Ward, arguably two of their most valuable players in the playoffs, both had sub-par years, while Rod Brind’Amour suffered through injuries during stretches.
But the biggest problem was that the canes no longer surprised anyone. As I said earlier they were expected to be bottom feeders and took everyone by surprise. This year everyone knew what to expect, and add the stigma of being a cup champion played the Canes even tougher. Without their element of surprise the Canes never performed to the same level.
Injuries helped put an end to the Canes season as various players were out during periods, in particular Frantisek Kaberle and Cory Stillman.
But when it boils down to it, were the Canes not massive over achievers last year? All the regular season and playoffs they were seen as underdogs, even when winning. Yet in the end they won. This season they were favored and failed to live up to their play last year.
So while many remained surprised at how these two teams faired, I can honestly say I am not. The Oilers had trouble written all over them since the Pronger ordeal and the Canes were over achievers, but many refused to acknowledge either.
Now both are setting up tee times for the summer.
-Jordan
We’ll start with the Oilers. Things almost literally went bad from day one when their best player Chris Pronger asked for a trade for family reasons. The man who was probably the biggest reason they got to the finals up and left the team, dealing not only a blow to the teams blue line, but also their morale. This was compacted by the Oilers inability to lure any free agent defensemen, or land one in return for Pronger, during the off season as arguably their second best defenseman in Jaroslav Spacek would not resign with them.
With a weakened blue line and what many perceived as a stab in the back by Pronger things already were looking down, but not bleak. As the year progressed injuries to key players like Ales Hemsky, playoff hero Fernando Pisani and Ethan Moreau things just kept getting worse. So desperate for replacements was Kevin Lowe he claimed Petr Nedved off waivers whom the Flyers had placed one wiavers several times with no takers.
But the thing is, of the playoff heroes in Hemsky, Pisani and goaltender Dwayne Roloson, you have to look at how good these three really are. Hemsky is a skilled speedy forward yes, but not approaching all star caliber. Pisani has never achieved much in the regular season, and it was believed (as shown by his multi-million dollar contract) he could continue his torrid playoff scoring into next season. Not to my surprise he failed to do so, often not being much of a factor on the Oilers offense. Roloson is 37, and at this point you can't expect him to get any better, nor really play at the high level he did during the playoffs.
Too much faith was put into players playoff performance as it was assumed they could all repeat those next year. Never assume. Lowe did and it came back to bite them as many underachieved.
The final blow came at the trade deadline. Unable to reach a deal with Ryan Smyth, he was dealt to the Islanders for picks and prospects. This ripped the heart out of the team and the ship quickly sunk, winning only three games in their last twenty one.
The Hurricanes were a bit different. They came from nowhere to win the cup, almost everyone predicting they would be bottom feeders that year (myself included). Instead the new rules helped them immensely and they became an eastern powerhouse before anyone knew it.
One of the Canes strengths was that their talent was spread out. This was hurt by the departures of Aaron Ward and Matt Cullen. While not severe blows, both were good players that contributed.
The Canes also made the mistake of believing their players would all playa t the same high level during the playoffs. But players such as Eric Staal and Cam Ward, arguably two of their most valuable players in the playoffs, both had sub-par years, while Rod Brind’Amour suffered through injuries during stretches.
But the biggest problem was that the canes no longer surprised anyone. As I said earlier they were expected to be bottom feeders and took everyone by surprise. This year everyone knew what to expect, and add the stigma of being a cup champion played the Canes even tougher. Without their element of surprise the Canes never performed to the same level.
Injuries helped put an end to the Canes season as various players were out during periods, in particular Frantisek Kaberle and Cory Stillman.
But when it boils down to it, were the Canes not massive over achievers last year? All the regular season and playoffs they were seen as underdogs, even when winning. Yet in the end they won. This season they were favored and failed to live up to their play last year.
So while many remained surprised at how these two teams faired, I can honestly say I am not. The Oilers had trouble written all over them since the Pronger ordeal and the Canes were over achievers, but many refused to acknowledge either.
Now both are setting up tee times for the summer.
-Jordan
Monday, April 02, 2007
Julien Fired
In a move that surprised everyone, the Devils fired Claude Julien as their head coach today and Lou Lamoriello will once again sit behind the bench as he did for last years playoffs.
Lou claims he didn’t like where the team was going, but did not elaborate further. Speculation is that Julien was being too nice to his players or that they lost faith in him (supposedly Gomez said he refused to play for Julien anymore). But take all with a grain of salt.
I have to say I don’t agree with this move. I’ve heard some Devil’s fans complain about how he didn’t shut down other teams enough, but let’s not forget: the Devils are second in the East, and they’ve done that while having injuries to key players at nearly every point this year. Yet despite this they are the second best team in the conference and are getting key players like Gionta back for the playoffs. But apparently this wasn’t enough to keep him from getting fired.
After this firing I have to ask: do the Devils even need a coach anymore?
Despite Lou being the longest tenured NHL GM, his coaches all have the shortest tenure. For you Lou Lovers, if this guy is so good why does he go through coaches like underwear?
But for the pat ten plus years the Devils style of play has not changed. No matter who the coach is the on ice product is never any different. Take one coach out, just pop another in like a spare tire and you never know the difference. I am actually going to go as far as say the Devil’s coaching job is nothing more than being a puppet. If the play is the same with any coach then does that coach really have a chance to make any kind of impact? When they can get let go by a GM who is trigger happy with the fired button, do they really want to coach there? Do they even have any say other than line combinations?
Lou should just stay behind the bench. With all the coaches he’s fired in recent years, it’s apparent he doesn’t trust anyone to run his system other than himself. Might as well save the organization some money in severance pay.
-Jordan
Lou claims he didn’t like where the team was going, but did not elaborate further. Speculation is that Julien was being too nice to his players or that they lost faith in him (supposedly Gomez said he refused to play for Julien anymore). But take all with a grain of salt.
I have to say I don’t agree with this move. I’ve heard some Devil’s fans complain about how he didn’t shut down other teams enough, but let’s not forget: the Devils are second in the East, and they’ve done that while having injuries to key players at nearly every point this year. Yet despite this they are the second best team in the conference and are getting key players like Gionta back for the playoffs. But apparently this wasn’t enough to keep him from getting fired.
After this firing I have to ask: do the Devils even need a coach anymore?
Despite Lou being the longest tenured NHL GM, his coaches all have the shortest tenure. For you Lou Lovers, if this guy is so good why does he go through coaches like underwear?
But for the pat ten plus years the Devils style of play has not changed. No matter who the coach is the on ice product is never any different. Take one coach out, just pop another in like a spare tire and you never know the difference. I am actually going to go as far as say the Devil’s coaching job is nothing more than being a puppet. If the play is the same with any coach then does that coach really have a chance to make any kind of impact? When they can get let go by a GM who is trigger happy with the fired button, do they really want to coach there? Do they even have any say other than line combinations?
Lou should just stay behind the bench. With all the coaches he’s fired in recent years, it’s apparent he doesn’t trust anyone to run his system other than himself. Might as well save the organization some money in severance pay.
-Jordan
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