The best part of the offseason is here, and it's definitely a season of giving. Parise, Suter, and that Canada-loving Schultz guy are the headliners, but GMs are throwing their money at just about anyone these days. Just ask Dennis Wideman, the proud new owner of a 5 year, $26.25 million contract!
But wait... there's more! It comes complete with a no-trade clause! Because if you sign an overrated player to a big contract, you have to lock it down.
Wideman's not the only defenseman cashing in, either. Elder statesmen Filip Kuba and Sami Salo fleeced Florida and Tampa Bay for annual salaries of $4 million and $3.75 million, respectively. Keep in mind... that's more than what Pittsburgh paid for Matt Niskanen and Chicago for Johnny Oduya. Niskanen is 25, Oduya's 30. Isn't it weird how the good teams seem to avoid the Kubas and Salos?
If I'm paying someone $4 million, not only am I expecting sizable contributions now and in the future, but somebody better buy your jersey. I'm sure fans aren't storming South Beach to get their Kuba jerseys.
If I'm paying someone $4 million, not only am I expecting sizable contributions now and in the future, but somebody better buy your jersey. I'm sure fans aren't storming South Beach to get their Kuba jerseys.
The scariest part is that Suter hasn't even signed anywhere yet, which means this is before the overspending for a Plan B defenseman takes place.
Hello, Matt Carle.
Carle would be the most coveted rearguard left amongst the UFAs after Suter signs, and you can bank on him getting "Wideman" money. Maybe he takes less so that he can sign for term instead. Don't be overly shocked if a desperate GM gives him an absurd contract around 6 years, $30 million*. (Please don't be that GM, Holmgren)
Forwards are raking in the dough, too. Jiri Hudler, P.A. Parenteau, and David Jones are all apparently worth $4 million each. If you include Kuba and Salo's lengthy careers, the five of them account for 1 All-Star appearance combined (Kuba, 8 years ago).
This is what $4 million gets you in the NHL now... David Jones. Are the Mayans behind this? David Stern?
So what's a GM to do?
Wait.
Wait for someone else to go out and spend, like Jay Feaster in Calgary. He has $9.25 million "cap dollars" invested in Wideman and Hudler alone for the next 4 years. If Iginla wants to touch the Cup, he better do his best Ray Bourque impression and request a trade,mercifully gracefully.
There are some bargains to be had. Brad Boyes ($1 mil) gets another shot to redeem himself after disappointing in Buffalo. Ponikarovsky ($1.8 mil) can fill out a top-6 forward spot. So can Lee Stempniak ($1.25 mil). Productive pieces can be added without making insane investments.
For the Flyers blue line, maybe Commodore is worth a redemption signing. Maybe Colaiacovo could stay healthy with the Flyers. Offer those guys a reasonable deal and see what happens.
Worst case scenario? The Flyers rely a little more on growth from Gustafsson, Manning, and Bourdon if he re-signs (RFA). I can live with that. Let Matt Carle walk away with a sparkling contract worth over $5 million somewhere else.
Besides, it's not like I own his jersey.
*Post-edit: Matt Carle signed with Tampa Bay for 6 years, $33 million. Almost nailed that one.
Hello, Matt Carle.
Carle would be the most coveted rearguard left amongst the UFAs after Suter signs, and you can bank on him getting "Wideman" money. Maybe he takes less so that he can sign for term instead. Don't be overly shocked if a desperate GM gives him an absurd contract around 6 years, $30 million*. (Please don't be that GM, Holmgren)
Forwards are raking in the dough, too. Jiri Hudler, P.A. Parenteau, and David Jones are all apparently worth $4 million each. If you include Kuba and Salo's lengthy careers, the five of them account for 1 All-Star appearance combined (Kuba, 8 years ago).
This is what $4 million gets you in the NHL now... David Jones. Are the Mayans behind this? David Stern?
So what's a GM to do?
Wait.
Wait for someone else to go out and spend, like Jay Feaster in Calgary. He has $9.25 million "cap dollars" invested in Wideman and Hudler alone for the next 4 years. If Iginla wants to touch the Cup, he better do his best Ray Bourque impression and request a trade,
There are some bargains to be had. Brad Boyes ($1 mil) gets another shot to redeem himself after disappointing in Buffalo. Ponikarovsky ($1.8 mil) can fill out a top-6 forward spot. So can Lee Stempniak ($1.25 mil). Productive pieces can be added without making insane investments.
For the Flyers blue line, maybe Commodore is worth a redemption signing. Maybe Colaiacovo could stay healthy with the Flyers. Offer those guys a reasonable deal and see what happens.
Worst case scenario? The Flyers rely a little more on growth from Gustafsson, Manning, and Bourdon if he re-signs (RFA). I can live with that. Let Matt Carle walk away with a sparkling contract worth over $5 million somewhere else.
Besides, it's not like I own his jersey.
*Post-edit: Matt Carle signed with Tampa Bay for 6 years, $33 million. Almost nailed that one.
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