2013 NHL Offseason Thread

[bbp]

Anyone else following the Alfredsson situation in Ottawa? Alfie blames Murray for not offering him fair value, Murray blames J.P Barry and according to Murray's account J.P. Barry blames Alfie for not being able to reach him.

I know we've had some pretty bad GM's, but Murray is a a new breed of douche as GM. Glad he's in Ottawa.

Would've been better for no one to say anything

[dlbalr]

Gabriel Landeskog, after 118 career NHL games and 31 goals to his name, gets a 7 year extension worth a little over $5.5 million per year. Deals like this make me love the bridge contracts even more. That's not to say Landeskog isn't a good player - he is - but there's a lot more that could go wrong than right here. Heck, a lot of the negatively surrounding the team at the end of last year (the Vegas trip Giguere ranted about) falls on him since he (inexplicably might I add) is the captain of that team.

[DON]

Gabriel Landeskog, after 118 career NHL games and 31 goals to his name, gets a 7 year extension worth a little over $5.5 million per year. Deals like this make me love the bridge contracts even more. That's not to say Landeskog isn't a good player - he is - but there's a lot more that could go wrong than right here. Heck, a lot of the negatively surrounding the team at the end of last year (the Vegas trip Giguere ranted about) falls on him since he (inexplicably might I add) is the captain of that team.

Maybe off-ice stuff was media overblown?

But, I am not quite sure about "bridged contracts", but Colorado basically gave out what Subban was asking for last year (not that long likely but similar)? What if Landeskog put up 100pts with Mackinnon and then Colorado tried to sign? Or Subban puts up 30 goals and 80points and wins 2nd Norris this year? Bergevin wont look quite so smart?

Landeskog being captain I guess may be quite similar to Detroit in fall of 86, got a super young player and weak rebuilding team, what they got to lose? As long as injuries don't derail him, he should be a super player.

[dlbalr]

Maybe off-ice stuff was media overblown?

But, I am not quite sure about "bridged contracts", but Colorado basically gave out what Subban was asking for last year (not that long likely but similar)? What if Landeskog put up 100pts with Mackinnon and then Colorado tried to sign? Or Subban puts up 30 goals and 80points and wins 2nd Norris this year? Bergevin wont look quite so smart?

Landeskog being captain I guess may be quite similar to Detroit in fall of 86, got a super young player and weak rebuilding team, what they got to lose? As long as injuries don't derail him, he should be a super player.

The odds of either of those scenarios are highly low. Landeskog is a two-way guy who isn't going to be a top flight scorer while 80 point d-men are rare; 30 goal blueliners are even rarer. What type of production would Landeskog need to put up this year to make a case that he's worth more than $5.57 M per season? Eberle got 76 and took $6 M on an extension in a similar situation, Taylor Hall played at a 70+ point pace and also took $6 M. That would put Landeskog in a 65-70 point range and if I'm a betting man, I'm taking the under on him putting up those types of numbers. If he gets a bit higher, the added cost on a long-term extension would be relatively small.

As for what they have to lose? If Landeskog plays like he did last year (at a below 40 point pace), that contract will look like an albatross, much like Tyler Myers in Buffalo. He doesn't have arbitration rights and if your captain chases an offer sheet, it might be a sign that he may not be the best option to be captain - basically, the Avs would be bidding against themselves. If you were to look at the players who have signed bridge deals the last few years, how many times do you think GM's were kicking themselves for not going long-term? There will be some, but I'd hazard a guess not as many who signed ELC players long-term before they needed to. Organizationally speaking, a couple of mistake contracts if a deal like this goes sour can really hurt an organization. It's a risk/reward proposition but I find in most cases, the risk far outweighs the reward.

[dlbalr]

Petteri Nokelainen signs in Sweden. The only surprise here is that it's not Finland, his home country.

[DON]

The odds of either of those scenarios are highly low. Landeskog is a two-way guy who isn't going to be a top flight scorer while 80 point d-men are rare; 30 goal blueliners are even rarer. What type of production would Landeskog need to put up this year to make a case that he's worth more than $5.57 M per season? Eberle got 76 and took $6 M on an extension in a similar situation, Taylor Hall played at a 70+ point pace and also took $6 M. That would put Landeskog in a 65-70 point range and if I'm a betting man, I'm taking the under on him putting up those types of numbers. If he gets a bit higher, the added cost on a long-term extension would be relatively small.

As for what they have to lose? If Landeskog plays like he did last year (at a below 40 point pace), that contract will look like an albatross, much like Tyler Myers in Buffalo. He doesn't have arbitration rights and if your captain chases an offer sheet, it might be a sign that he may not be the best option to be captain - basically, the Avs would be bidding against themselves. If you were to look at the players who have signed bridge deals the last few years, how many times do you think GM's were kicking themselves for not going long-term? There will be some, but I'd hazard a guess not as many who signed ELC players long-term before they needed to. Organizationally speaking, a couple of mistake contracts if a deal like this goes sour can really hurt an organization. It's a risk/reward proposition but I find in most cases, the risk far outweighs the reward.

sure, I more or less agreed anyways, was more just devils ad., and majority of long term contracts must be considered failures for teams. But, I still think you are underselling Landeskog and maybe contract is 1 or 2 years too long. But he also is golden boy for Colorado PR, unlike Duschene or Statsny, so likely off-ice reasons played a part to longer deal, in a positive way?

[dlbalr]

sure, I more or less agreed anyways, was more just devils ad., and majority of long term contracts must be considered failures for teams. But, I still think you are underselling Landeskog and maybe contract is 1 or 2 years too long. But he also is golden boy for Colorado PR, unlike Duschene or Statsny, so likely off-ice reasons played a part to longer deal, in a positive way?

I think Landeskog will be a quality high 50-mid 60 point player in his prime with strong defensive play and intangibles. Less than 120 games into a career, he hasn't shown enough to merit $5.57 M per year on average in my opinion. As for off-ice reasons playing a factor, it could be the case but I get the sense the Avs are going to try to lock all of their core up long-term. Duchene got one already (off of a bridge deal no less), now Landeskog. O'Reilly's up next offseason, if he's still there he'll likely get one too; so too will MacKinnon in two years when he can sign an extension.

[DON]

I think Landeskog will be a quality high 50-mid 60 point player in his prime with strong defensive play and intangibles. Less than 120 games into a career, he hasn't shown enough to merit $5.57 M per year on average in my opinion. As for off-ice reasons playing a factor, it could be the case but I get the sense the Avs are going to try to lock all of their core up long-term. Duchene got one already (off of a bridge deal no less), now Landeskog. O'Reilly's up next offseason, if he's still there he'll likely get one too; so too will MacKinnon in two years when he can sign an extension.

Landskog I see as close to a PPG player once team improves and has a bit of depth up front, Duchene is a solid player as is O'Reilly and who wouldn't want to lock up MacKinnon.

Sure one of this kids may bust, but odds are Sakic didn't make a big mistake, maybe waste a few extra $$ that didn't have to, but doubt he will end up wanting to buy Landeskog out?

I see the UFA long term deals as more risky and prone to flopping (DiPietro aside), no fact based, just seems like that to me.

[dlbalr]

I see the UFA long term deals as more risky and prone to flopping (DiPietro aside), no fact based, just seems like that to me.

There's a lot of risk either way but with the long UFA deals, you almost know you're not going to get high end production in the last year or two of the deal. That's what made me glad to see that there were just two 7-year contracts handed out to UFA's this offseason. It's a start.

[dlbalr]

It's being reported that Boston is close to signing Jose Theodore as their new backup (which would push recently signed Chad Johnson to the minors). TVA is reporting the deal is worth between $800k and $1.1M. http://tvasports.ca/hockey/lnh/theodore-avec-les-bruins-18082013

Edit: Bob McKenzie is saying on Twitter it's a false report.

[DON]

Malcolm Subban must of loved seeing Rask get signed to long term deal?

I guess he will have to prove himself in AHL for couple years anyways and who knows how many years Rask will actually play of that deal, in Boston anyways?

At least Fucale wont be too old when Price's deal is winding up. Could Fucale play in AHL in the 14-15 season or will he still be too young?

[Commandant]

Too young

[bbp]

Malcolm Subban must of loved seeing Rask get signed to long term deal?

I guess he will have to prove himself in AHL for couple years anyways and who knows how many years Rask will actually play of that deal, in Boston anyways?

At least Fucale wont be too old when Price's deal is winding up. Could Fucale play in AHL in the 14-15 season or will he still be too young?

Fucale's development looks like it will move in line with Price's career. I mean we have had Price for 6 years already, probably got another 7-9ish years.

Fucale will have 2 years in Q (i think), probably 2 in AHL as there won't be the need to rush him. Then he will be treated like Rask was in Boston for a few years.

[dlbalr]

Fucale will have 2 years in Q (i think), probably 2 in AHL as there won't be the need to rush him. Then he will be treated like Rask was in Boston for a few years.

That's how I'm hoping his development path works out.

[dlbalr]

Mikhail Grabovski signed in Washington, 1 year, $3M. That's a good deal for both sides - the Caps get a top-6 centre to replace Ribeiro while Grabovski gets a chance to restore his value for next offseason when there's a likely cap increase. Late August, this is when the good deals in free agency tend to be made.

[Trizzak]

Mikhail Grabovski signed in Washington, 1 year, $3M. That's a good deal for both sides - the Caps get a top-6 centre to replace Ribeiro while Grabovski gets a chance to restore his value for next offseason when there's a likely cap increase. Late August, this is when the good deals in free agency tend to be made.

File this signing under "You mean they didn't do this earlier?"

[lazy26]

Mikhail Grabovski signed in Washington, 1 year, $3M. That's a good deal for both sides - the Caps get a top-6 centre to replace Ribeiro while Grabovski gets a chance to restore his value for next offseason when there's a likely cap increase. Late August, this is when the good deals in free agency tend to be made.

Great deal for both sides.

[Dalhabs]

Grabo plays with Ovy and gets a 70+ point season = Big contract next summer.

[dlbalr]

One of Toronto's beat reporters was suggesting that Kadri was originally seeking a 6 year, $36 M contract earlier in the offseason. He's a top six forward who has yet to score 30 goals...in his NHL career. Here's hoping the Leafs keep pushing the bridge deal with him - the more teams that push for this, the fewer lunatic contracts there are that inevitably drive up the price for RFA's.

[Neech]

New Jersey signs Henrique for 6 years, 24 million. That's near Pacioretty money for a guy with two seasons in the league, and 16 points last year. They similarly overpaid for Zajac. I think Lou's gone off the deep end ever since signing Kovalchuk.

[dlbalr]

New Jersey signs Henrique for 6 years, 24 million. That's near Pacioretty money for a guy with two seasons in the league, and 16 points last year. They similarly overpaid for Zajac. I think Lou's gone off the deep end ever since signing Kovalchuk.

He used to be known for getting guys to take below-market deals (Brodeur, Stevens, Niedermayer spring to mind). Now, there are a lot of overpayments (the ones you mentioned plus Clowe and the corpse of Volchenkov - there are others you could argue aren't quite as bad but still high). Another $4 million contract for a player who has yet to eclipse the 30-goal plateau in his career during the regular season. Go bridge, go!

[JoeLassister]

Where is Henrique projected to play in the next 4 seasons ? 1st line ? 2nd line ? 1st PP unit ? 2nd wave ? Does he get PK time ?

[dlbalr]

Where is Henrique projected to play in the next 4 seasons ? 1st line ? 2nd line ? 1st PP unit ? 2nd wave ? Does he get PK time ?

One of Elias or Zajac has the top C spot which should have Henrique on line 2 although Loktionov passed him on the depth chart last year so there's a chance he drops to 3 (or if Elias and Zajac centre the top two lines). He'd be seeing 2nd wave PP time and 2nd PK time (based on last year's TOI). All of those guys are signed or under team control for the next four years.

[Machine of Loving Grace]

I really like Henrique though. He's like a reborn Kirk Muller.

[JoeLassister]

M.I.A. : Chad LaRose

http://prohockeytalk.nbcsports.com/2013/08/04/anyone-seen-chad-larose-let-carolina-know/