The Official NHL Free Agent Tracking Thread!

element1286 · 07-01-09, 12:53 PM

Originally posted by betplom

So that the toughness he brings sticks around for a while?

Dunno the answer, but I do know Leaf Fans love their enforcers.

That's fine, I just don't believe in giving non essential players long term commitments. It's not a bad deal.

You have any info on the return for Kubina?

VegasDave · 07-01-09, 12:54 PM

Tampa Bay grabbed Mattias Ohlund, only a 3.75M cap hit for 7 years.

But 7 years? For a 32 year old?

That's what sucks about free agency these days. Yeah, as a Kings fan I want a Havlat or Gaborik... but I don't want to have to sign a damn 6 year contract to a guy that can't stay healthy.

element1286 · 07-01-09, 12:57 PM

Originally posted by VegasDave

Tampa Bay grabbed Mattias Ohlund, only a 3.75M cap hit for 7 years.

But 7 years? For a 32 year old?

That's what sucks about free agency these days. Yeah, as a Kings fan I want a Havlat or Gaborik... but I don't want to have to sign a damn 6 year contract to a guy that can't stay healthy.

I hear you Dave, it's insanity.

VegasDave · 07-01-09, 01:03 PM

TSN and CBC reporting that Hossa signs with the Blackhawks. Details to follow.

Perfect fit. Fast paced team on the rise. Wonder how long term he signed?

element1286 · 07-01-09, 01:03 PM

Hossa to Chicago, 12 years, 5+ million per, Yikes.

VegasDave · 07-01-09, 01:08 PM

Insane. I'm so glad to have a GM that has some sense. Its frustrating to rebuild the old fashioned way, but I'm much happier doing it than signing deals like that.

element1286 · 07-01-09, 01:10 PM

Originally posted by VegasDave

Insane. I'm so glad to have a GM that has some sense. Its frustrating to rebuild the old fashioned way, but I'm much happier doing it than signing deals like that.

Hang in there Dave, the Kings are doing it the right way. It will work out.

Minkus · 07-01-09, 01:15 PM

Wow 12 years....hossa with the hawks

He is a choke artist

VegasDave · 07-01-09, 01:18 PM

Originally posted by element1286

Hang in there Dave, the Kings are doing it the right way. It will work out.

Honestly, I'm completely okay with us not making a big move. For the first time in my life as a Kings fan, I really don't think the Kings are heading into camp with any dead weight (other than some 4th liners). I'd list off the roster and prospects but no one here cares... the point is, everyone on our roster right now has a role on the team. Lots of good young players and hard workers.

All I want really is to maybe grab one solid D-man to let our top prospect, Thomas Hickey, spend a little bit more time in the minors. Beauchemin (sp?) would be perfect. But I trust Dean and feel a hell of a lot better about the future of this team now than I have in years past.

Deuce · 07-01-09, 01:21 PM

12 years? He is 30 years old.

Minkus · 07-01-09, 01:21 PM

How long is Kopitar or however you spell it, locked in with the kings?

element1286 · 07-01-09, 01:21 PM

Originally posted by VegasDave

Honestly, I'm completely okay with us not making a big move. For the first time in my life as a Kings fan, I really don't think the Kings are heading into camp with any dead weight (other than some 4th liners). I'd list off the roster and prospects but no one here cares... the point is, everyone on our roster right now has a role on the team. Lots of good young players and hard workers.

All I want really is to maybe grab one solid D-man to let our top prospect, Thomas Hickey, spend a little bit more time in the minors. Beauchemin (sp?) would be perfect. But I trust Dean and feel a hell of a lot better about the future of this team now than I have in years past.

Beauchemin would be tremendous anywhere, so yes the Kings should sign him.

Deuce · 07-01-09, 01:21 PM

Originally posted by VegasDave

TSN and CBC reporting that Hossa signs with the Blackhawks. Details to follow.

Perfect fit. Fast paced team on the rise. Wonder how long term he signed?

They already are going to have Cap issues.

Minkus · 07-01-09, 01:22 PM

Originally posted by Deuce

12 years? He is 30 years old.

Yeh and?

Chelios is 47 and wants to play another season as usual

VegasDave · 07-01-09, 01:24 PM

As obscene of a deal as the Hossa one is (he's signed until he's 42, lol), having him at a cap hit of only 5.2 million is pretty solid for the next few years. It is probably a front loaded contract, and he will retire long before that cap hit starts to hurt.

VegasDave · 07-01-09, 01:25 PM

Great site for all of your cap number needs: http://www.nhlnumbers.com/

element1286 · 07-01-09, 01:26 PM

Originally posted by Deuce

12 years? He is 30 years old.

It's the same type of deal the Red Wings gave Zetterberg and Franzen.

Minkus · 07-01-09, 01:26 PM

Does every team get a Salary cap that they all have to stick by?

For instance they cant go over it eben if they have the money?

VegasDave · 07-01-09, 01:27 PM

Little slow right now, but a good one.

Kopitar is signed through 2015-16, and Brown is signed through 2013-14, both at manageable cap hits

element1286 · 07-01-09, 01:28 PM

Originally posted by Minkus

Does every team get a Salary cap that they all have to stick by?

For instance they cant go over it eben if they have the money?

56.8 million, can't go over during regular season.

Minkus · 07-01-09, 01:29 PM

Originally posted by VegasDave

Little slow right now, but a good one.

Kopitar is signed through 2015-16, and Brown is signed through 2013-14, both at manageable cap hits

Originally posted by element1286

Im a fan of Kopitar

Originally posted by Minkus

Does every team get a Salary cap that they all have to stick by?

For instance they cant go over it eben if they have the money?

Originally posted by element1286

56.8 million, can't go over during regular season.

Thanks element. Im alwasy on the game and players end. i never get into the GM side, money, caps, etc

Minkus · 07-01-09, 01:30 PM

Damn that quote did not work out

VegasDave. I meant to say that im a Kopitar fan, he;s a solid player and until 2016 is sweet

element1286 · 07-01-09, 01:31 PM

Originally posted by Minkus

Thanks element. Im alwasy on the game and players end. i never get into the GM side, money, caps, etc

I love the GM side of it.

VegasDave · 07-01-09, 01:31 PM

Originally posted by Minkus

Does every team get a Salary cap that they all have to stick by?

For instance they cant go over it eben if they have the money?

Yes, the NHL has a HARD CAP, meaning there is no luxury tax or anything like that, you HAVE to stay under. That's why we see these front loaded long-term contracts. Lets say they wanted to sign Hossa for 5 years 40 million. That's a cap hit of 8 mil a year, which hurts bad.

So instead, you sign him 12 years 62 million and structure it like...

Year 1: 9 mil
Year 2: 9 mil
Year 3: 8 mil
Year 4: 8 mil
Year 5: 7 mil
Year 6: 6 mil
Year 7: 3 mil
Year 8: 3 mil
Years 9-12: 2.35 mil

Now your cap hit is only 5.2 mil, and the guy will likely retire around year 7 anyway.

VegasDave · 07-01-09, 01:40 PM

So from the financial standpoint, it makes sense. But what happens if the guy gets nagging injuries? (Rick DiPietro) Or what if he becomes complacent/lazy with such a gross contract in place? Or what if he drops off due to age at say 35 but then refuses to retire to keep collecting that paycheck and keeps costing you 5 mil against the cap as a 40 year old waste of space?

Its just risky to put so much on one player. Not saying guys like Zetterberg and Hossa aren't worth it, I'd just rather save thu multi-year deals for kids before or in their prime, night getting ready to leave it.

element1286 · 07-01-09, 01:42 PM

Originally posted by VegasDave

So from the financial standpoint, it makes sense. But what happens if the guy gets nagging injuries? (Rick DiPietro) Or what if he becomes complacent/lazy with such a gross contract in place? Or what if he drops off due to age at say 35 but then refuses to retire to keep collecting that paycheck and keeps costing you 5 mil against the cap as a 40 year old waste of space?

Its just risky to put so much on one player. Not saying guys like Zetterberg and Hossa aren't worth it, I'd just rather save thu multi-year deals for kids before or in their prime, night getting ready to leave it.

I agree, 5-7 year deals for true superstar talents I have no problem with.

VegasDave · 07-01-09, 01:43 PM

Hmm, with Roloson heading to the Islanders, Edmonton does not have a goalie. They need to do something about that! Haha

element1286 · 07-01-09, 01:48 PM

Originally posted by VegasDave

Hmm, with Roloson heading to the Islanders, Edmonton does not have a goalie. They need to do something about that! Haha

Biron or Khabibulin.

Minkus · 07-01-09, 01:50 PM

Khabi over Biron....

VegasDave · 07-01-09, 01:51 PM

Ugh I hate Eklund, he's never right... but he's saying Havlat to LA...

With Hossa signed in Chicago... and Havlat spending the last three days in Los Angeles... it kind of sort of makes sense... but again, the Kings are rumor central, I'll hold off on getting excited...

VegasDave · 07-01-09, 01:53 PM

Just can't wait until Gaborik and Havlat have homes so I can relax.

element1286 · 07-01-09, 01:55 PM

Mike Knuble to Caps, 2 years 5.6 million, fukk him.

Good move for the Caps, they need more guys like him.

VegasDave · 07-01-09, 01:55 PM

LOL I love cranky photoshoppers... from a Los Angeles fan not quite as patient as I am with the rebuild...

VegasDave · 07-01-09, 01:56 PM

Originally posted by element1286

Mike Knuble to Caps, 2 years 5.6 million, fukk him.

Big relief!! People were rumoring him to the Kings, didn't want, thanks Washington!

Deuce · 07-01-09, 01:56 PM

Tomas Kopecky LW 27 Signed Detroit-->Chicago 2 years