Stunning contracts (Part two)

   Some people were stunned when Mike Komisarek signed a one-year contract on the first day of free agency. The one thing most people don`t know, and I just found out, is he has an ironclad no movement clause. So cannot be sent to the minor league, which means he`s a Carolina Hurricane all year.

   Despite playing the entire season in the AHL…. The Toronto Maple Leafs have signed defenseman Paul Ranger, to a one-year, 1 million dollar contract…. You`re asking yourself who cares, two things. One it`s a one-way deal, secondly he`s got a full no movement clause. When it`s all said and done, he`s going nowhere anytime soon.

   I originally thought it was a typo when it came up on the TV screen, Joey Crabb signing with the Florida Panthers, two years both of which are guaranteed (one-way contract). Obviously either coach Kevin Dineen or GM Dale Taloon like Crabb enough to make a multiyear commitment.

   Former Flyer Harry Zolniercyzk shockingly got a one year guaranteed contract from the Pittsburgh Penguins. He`s obviously impressed someone within the organization, but again I would have thought Zolniercyzk was destined for a minor league career.

Hard work pays off.... five surprising one-way contracts (Part One)

    Anthony Peluso was claimed early last year on waivers by the Winnipeg Jets, and at time the rookie played more than a regular shift on the third line. In a bit of a shocker, the kid was rewarded with a two year, one –way contract with an average cap hit of $562,500. Might not sound like allot of money, but he`s all but 100% locked in a spot for next year’s team. Obviously he proved enough in his five games with Winnipeg (2 assists).¸

   The Jets for the second time in the off-season surprised some, by giving defenseman Paul Postma a two-year one-way deal. The sophomore played in 34 games this season scoring four times with five assists. Winnipeg by no means were forced into giving the two contracts out being both were restricted free agents; they must see something in both to give them guaranteed deals.

   Again a bit of a stunner to see the Boston Bruins give youthful forward Jordan Caron a one-way deal worth $640,000; he`s been up and down from the minors for three seasons. He better hope he has a good training camp, or the Bruins would have waive him and bury him in the minors all year.

   The Bruins also signed a new backup goalie; Chad Johnson earned himself a one year, one way contract. Johnson should have become the backup last year in Phoenix, outplaying then backup Jason Laberbera every chance he had. Very shrewd signing, the American netminder should be able to start 15-20 times next season.

    Nashville has found a cheaper replacement for Jordin Tootoo. Like Peluso, before the season started Nashville claimed Rich Clune on waivers from LA. But unlike Peluso, Clune played a regular role with the Preds, playing in all but one game last year. Two years, with a cap hit of $850,000, what a job by Clune`s agent, it would have been hard to say no for much less, but they got the job done.

Four bad re-signings in the off-season; second line centers worth 4.7 million?

   After 52 career NHL games, the Ottawa Senators rewarded defenseman Patrick Wiercioch with a three year, $6 million contract. When I seen this I asked myself out loud what are they doing?  Is he on the verge of a breakout year and you must sign in to a longer term deal. No way shape or form; his he destined to be a top four defenseman? Last time I checked he was fighting with Andre Beniot for the six-seventh spot on the blueline last year.

Second line centers worth 4.7 million a year?

   No disrespect intended, but are we getting to a point in the NHL where a second line center at best is worth 4.7 million or more a year?

   Bryan Little has inked a five year contract worth 4.7 million per year. In his seven year career, the former 100 point OHLer, has a career high 31 goals in 2008-09, the same year he had a career best 51 points. Those numbers are ok if you`re a number two centerman, but far from a number one centerman. The contract is nearly impossible to move, if they wish to do so.

   I butchered Sam Gagner is a previous blog http://corbyshockeycentral.blogspot.ca/2013/07/gagner-wanting-more-than-hes-worth-and.html; after he was asking for 5.5 million is salary arbitration. The very next day the Oilers inked him to a 3 year, 14.4 million contract, worth 4.8 million over three years. Because of the top end talent in Edmonton, Gagner has no chance of becoming their number one centerman. Has failed every year to score 20 or more goals, and has never gotten more 47 points in one season. Like president of the Edmonton Oilers Kevin Lowe, current general manager Craig Mactavish is well on his way to becoming a horrible general manager.  After failing to trade Gagner for the past year they reward with a stupid contract, one that he cannot live up to.

Low budget team overpay

    Bottom six forward Nick Spalding has avoided salary arbitration with the Nashville Predators, signing a one year, 1.5 million dollar contract. In 2011-12 he scored a career high 10 goals and 22 points. Spalding might be able to score 12-15 goals, but will never be an effective top six forward. Nashville is team that must watch every dollar they spend, kind of surprising but not shocking.

Mike Gillis doing what he does best

   It`s not the first time or the last time…. But is Vancouver Canucks general manager Mike Gillis is again lying through his teeth.

   ``At the end of the day we had to make a choice and we made the choice to go to Roberto,`` Gillis claims. What he forgot to mention is that after a one year search high and low, nobody and we mean nobody would go near Luongo, even if the Canucks had to pay them to.

   Take last year at the trade deadline, 30 minutes before the deadline, Gillis called the Toronto Maple Leafs offered up Luongo for goalie Ben Schrivens, a mid and late round draft pick. That proposal was quickly shut down. Not even 15 minutes later the offer to the Leafs was Schrivens and two late round picks, again shut down.

   Gillis and his pathological lying will eventually make Luongo say FU to him and the Canucks… Why not be truthful and say you had no choice, instead he did the opposite. Don`t believe me, read the below compelling blog for the timelines of Gillis`s ways.

http://corbyshockeycentral.blogspot.ca/2013/01/is-gillis-all-talk-or-will-luongo.html

Gagner wanting more than he's worth and then some

 Has one night gotten to his head? On February 2, 2012, Edmonton Oilers centerman Sam Gagner had one of those nights only legends would dream of. Four & four assists in an 8-4 win over the Chicago Blackhawks; the only problem those nights are too far and few between. Why are bringing this up you ask? Gagner, your typical 2^nd line center, but one whom will never be a number one center; is seeking 5.5 million and is due to go to salary arbitration on Monday.

   I almost fell out of my chair when I seen the number of 5.5. Two instant thought came to my head; 1> there is no harm in swinging for the fences. 2> this is Gagner’s way of saying to the Oilers he wants out and now. There are three main reasons why Gagner will never get his 5.5 million, 1> He’s never scored 20 goals in his six year career. 2> He’s never gotten more than 50 points within season. 3> unless the Oilers have two or more injuries to the young core, he will never be a top line forward in Edmonton.

   The one comparable in the NHL would be Tyler Bozak; whom signed earlier in the off season, five years with an average of 4.2 million per year. One can go as far saying Bozak is more of a complete two way centerman.

   The only way Gagner gets his money, is if the arbitrator doesn’t know hockey. I would almost bet the Oilers would walk if he’s rewarded more than 4.5 million a year.

Which NHL team could lose their first overall pick?

   Could a former first overall pick in the NHL cost his former team; the same first overall pick? It certainly is not out of the question; who are we referring to? None other than Ilya Kovalchuk & the New Jersey Devils.

   Three years ago when Devils signed the Russian forward to a 15 year contract; the NHL ruled it to be a circumvention of the salary cap. Penalizing the Devils by removing a 1rst & 3^rd round pick. For some weird reason the Devils in the first three years didn't want to give back the first rounder; forcing them to go without their first rounder next year.

   Is it far fetched to say they’ll be one of the worst teams next year? Absolutely Not. They were the third worst team in regards to goal scoring with an average of 2.29 goals per game (also 21^st ranked PP); this before losing Kovalchuk & power forward David Clarkson. Legendary goalie Martin Brodeur is down by those two leaving. It's the two guys I spend a lot of time with on and off the ice," Brodeur told Northjersey.com.

    Yes the Dev’s have brought in Ryane Clowe & Michael Ryder; but far from the consistency as those who left. While Travis Zajac & Adam Henrique will have somewhat of a bounce back season; it’s hard to see 38-year-old Patrick Elias maintaining a 70 point pace (next year). If not the first overall pick; it could easily be a top five or top ten the Devils will lose.

Don’t expect Devils to be free spending

   The one positive if anything is the cash strapped Devils shed a large contract off the books. As we speak currently they have around 51.5 in salaries; with just over 10.5 million in cap space. Don’t expect the Devils to acquire Ales Hemsky or Tomas Vanek; or to throw 4 million per year at Jamy Jagr and/or Damien Brunner, the ownership is no hard up for cash, even more so than the Phoenix Coyotes.

   Elias who re-signed a 3 year contract; did so thinking he’d be playing side by side with the Russian star.

"I've never seen anything like this in my 18 years," Elias told the Star-Ledger.

The real reason Kovalchuk retired.......

   For anyone who thinks Ilya Kovalchuk is really retiring; you must also think the Houston Astros will win the World Series.

The Russian superstar honored the first 3 years of his 15 year contract; shockingly the next two would see him making 11.6 million per season.

KHL season starts in one month

The timing is everything. Not many is aware but, the KHL season starts in 1 month (middle of August). During last year’s lockout Kovalchuk was quoted as saying "We are all happy here [in the KHL]," he reportedly told Russian website Sportbox.ru in October 2012. “Basically, I don’t rule out staying in Russia in the case of a reduction of our salaries in the NHL.” This is what makes today’s new as not to surprising.

Good news and bad news for New Jersey

You likely have a few thousand New Jersey Devil fans burning their “17” Kovalchuk Jerseys right about now…. But when you think of it, the team is allot better off. 1> You have a team (Devils) more strapped for cash; even more so than the Phoenix Coyotes; and you just shedded 77 million over the next 10 -12 years. 2> You have the worst “team player” in NHL history long gone. 3> Most importantly you have the gotten rid of someone who didn’t want to play in New Jersey or the NHL.

The Bad news. 1> You have a big gaping whole (30-40 goals) missing from the lineup. 2> The really bad news… you don’t have your 2014 first round pick in the draft; because of the “cap circumvention” penalty for signing Kovalchuk to this contract.

One Question that Kovalchuk should be forced to answer

Why Now? Why not at the NHL entry draft; why not July 5^th (first day of free agency). Reason being so you could attempts at replacing Kovalchuk. If Lou Lamoriello was aware of this a week or two weeks ago; Devil fans should be enraged. The teams additions in Ryan Clowe and Michael Ryder; add depth but leave a front line present gap on the team. We’ll never know the answer to the question; the Devils are the most secretive team in Sports History.

Two teams, smart depth moves; Jets adding depth; Leafs cannot let Fraser walk

   Not the fan of the hockey club, but….. Kudos to the Columbus Blue Jackets, earlier today they signed Jack Skille to a one-year (two-way) contract. Anytime you can get a 26-year-old like Skille for cheap; it is a no risk, only reward type contract. If he doesn't win a spot in camp, he only takes up a roster spot and can be recalled without going through waivers. A very shrewd signing but the new management; (something you wouldn't have seen before). Speaking of the Jackets management; is it just me or should they resign Vaclav Prospal; he was only the team’s leading goal scorer. He also has had a great report on and off the ice with team star Marian Gaborik.

   Again a smart signing can be said for Pittsburgh, who inked 30-year-old veteran Andrew Ebbett to a two year (two-way) contract; for Ebbett he would earn the league minimum 550k in the NHL; but 300K in the minors. Kudos to Ebbett and his agent for not waiting a month or two for a one-way contract offer that might not come.

   I and other Leafs fans would be 100% choked if the Leafs let rugged de-man Mark Fraser walk. Rumors have Fraser going to for salary arbitration. He would not be seeking 2 million a year, but maybe 1.2 – 1.7 million per year. The team needs him, only reason being they have no other like him. A big, nasty-son of a bitch…. Dave Nonnis and his staff will soon come to their senses.

   While not being a top destination for free agents, the Winnipeg Jets are adding depth via the trade route. So far in this off season they’ve added both Devon Setoguchi and Michael Frolik in separate moved. Is Setoguchi the second coming of Jonathan Cheechoo; this season will tell us yes or no. Frolik is a premier penalty killer; who’s a great addition to their third line. The team has also added veteran de-man Adam Pardy . About time they add depth; going back to their Atlanta days they’ve been slammed for not having enough balance both in the NHL and AHL. 

Who is be the first free agent frenzy buyout, Alferdson full of it, Poile wins big

   If you really wanted to win a Stanley Cup would really choose Detroit over Boston? We don’t have time to go over everything; but if you at the status of the blueline…. It’s not even comparable. The Bruins hand down.  This being said…. I call BS on Daniel Alferdson; why did he not come right out and say it? He’d rather play with fellow countrymen Henrik Zetterberg, Jonathan Ericsson, Niklas Kronwall and Johan Fransen and he likes the way the Wings play the game…. And oh yes; let’s not forget he was offered way more money by Detroit, then Ottawa or Boston. If it was not about the money why not take a 2.75 million salary, instead he doubles it…. That extra 2.75 million he took; could mean not getting the extra piece at the deadline.

Who will be bought out first

   Of all the signings today, who is buy-out compliance waiting to happen? Twenty-four hours after being praised for getting something for Shawn Horcoff; Oilers general manager is wasting three million over the next three years for Boyd Gordon. If he were to match his career 9 goal output…. He’d be making $333,333 per goal. He’s not known as a big man up the middle, he doesn't address their need toughness, an average player on a horrible contract.

   Lord knows Steve Yzerman wasn't the only one throwing money at Valtteri Filpulla but come on, 5 years @ 5 million per? Coming off of his career worst 9 goals & 17 points, the Finnish centerman should give his agent a big bonus for fetching him this contract. I am not a Columbus fan, but thank god they did not get stuck with another stupid contract.

   Is Mike Ribero going to be worth 6 million when he will be 37 years old? I think not, and I can say that with some conviction.

Quite but effective

    Nashville has never been a top destination for many free-agents in years past; but give David Poile (Nashville GM) some credit they inked four free agent forwards addressing every need they had. It’s not far-fetched to say Victor Stalberg & Matt Cullen are top six forwards, they are  not world beaters, but for a total of 6.5 million (between the two of them), they score you between 15-20 goals each, something the team lacked last year. The other additions are what impress me the most, both Eric Nystrom & Matt Hendricks bring veteran leadership, penalty killing and toughness, something they desperately lacked since Jordan Tootoo went to Detroit. Can you imagine a 3^rd line of Nystrom, Hendricks and Paul Gaustad; holy black and blue, I would have nightmares if I were a smaller, less than tough team. 

New look Stars move two moves

   Knowing it’s not a preferable destination by most big name free agents, the Dallas Stars were hard at work one day before free agency, making two separate deals. The two moves now give the Stars something they haven’t had in years, an offensive one-two punch in regards to the top two lines.

    New GM Jim Nill, acquired former 2^nd overall pick Tyler Seguin, and Rich Peverly from Boston for top line forward Loui Eriksson and prospects Reilly Smith, Matt Fraser & Joe Morrow.  Before the deal had been completed, it was rumored to be Seguin for Eriksson which I thought was fair. (Seguin) obviously have more upside, but with Peverly being included I think it swings in favor for Dallas. Give Nill credit; in two weeks on the job, he had the balls to make a brave move unlike his predecessor Joe Nieuwendyk. Look for Seguin to be lineup up with top prospect (22 year old) Alex Chiasson (6 goals in only 7 regular season games) this combination could be deadly over the next decade.

   The same day, Nill picked up veteran centerman Sean Horcoff for seldom used de-man Philip Larsen, & a 7^th rounder. Shockingly a good deal for both teams, Edmonton sheds a bad contract (5.5 cap hit) but, Dallas only pays Horcoff (4 million, 3 million) over the next few years. Is the former captain a 3^rd liner? Absolutely and he knows it, but a reasonable salary @ 3.5 million.  

   The only downside for the Stars is they had to move what little depth they had in their farm system. It’s a stretch to say Fraser and Smith will be prominent top six forwards; but at the same time they were speedy, somewhat skilled forwards early in their careers. Another key point everyone must know, the Stars don’t has four-five guys in the AHL, waiting for the call up; that are NHL quality players.

   With a veteran like Eric Nystrom moving onto free-agency, the Stars need to address their bottom six forwards, they need to sign in-expensive players who could step in if need be. If I were Jim Nill, I’d look at Nathan Gerbe, Boyd Gordon and/or Brad Richarson. All of which could be had for less than 1.2 million p/y.