Umberger not heading back to school...

RJ Umberger has given up his scholarship and isn't going back to Ohio State this season.

His agent says that Ryan Kesler got a better contract than the one they're offering RJ :dunno:

His agent says that Ryan Kesler got a better contract than the one they're offering RJ :dunno:

And rightfully so. Kesler is a more complete player and could, on some teams, play in the NHL this season. Umberger still needs defensive training and he is still too light to play against the big boys in the NHL.

I bet we are talking about $100,000 or so difference and that is all though. There in't much to work with these days with the CBA and first round picks. I know that part of the sticking point is Umberger wants a one-way deal. And he ain't going to get that.

And rightfully so. Kesler is a more complete player and could, on some teams, play in the NHL this season. Umberger still needs defensive training and he is still too light to play against the big boys in the NHL.

I bet we are talking about $100,000 or so difference and that is all though. There in't much to work with these days with the CBA and first round picks. I know that part of the sticking point is Umberger wants a one-way deal. And he ain't going to get that.

no he doesn't want a 1 year deal.. the CBA says all entry level contracts must be 2 way deals

It'll be interesting, he's got a few days to sign before the 'deadline' is over.

It'll be interesting, he's got a few days to sign before the 'deadline' is over.

If he is not heading back to school the deadline does not apply

if he doesnt head back, where does RJ play next year??
how much is Kesler making on his 2way deal? anyone? thx

If Umberger doesn't go to school this year, he could consider playing in Europe as an option. According to Umberger's agent, the Canucks are offering less than what Kesler received. Umberger apparently wants $1 million. However, a while ago, I seem to recall Burke saying they wanted Umberger to accept the same deal as Kesler received.

Also, all rookie/first contracts are supposed to be three-year, two-way deals. I believe.

~Canucklehead~

I can't see Umberger playing in Europe, he'll probably sit out until something gets done. By the way, Burke's Evil Spirit where'd you see the article?

Edit: Nevermind, it was in the Vancouver Sun.

yeah, should've mentioned...it was in the Vancouver Sun.

Peter - Umberger is ont too light to play with the big boys. He's bigger than Kesler. Just that his game has to change, He's a big finesse player and needs to become more physical. Size -wise he's fine.

Oh for a billionaire Russian owner. No more nickel and dime haggling over a few hundred thousand dollars. :)

Peter - Umberger is ont too light to play with the big boys. He's bigger than Kesler. Just that his game has to change, He's a big finesse player and needs to become more physical. Size -wise he's fine.

Sorry, that's what I meant...his physcial game needs improvement. I wasn't trying to say he was smaller than anyone. :p

I found it interesting that the 15 picks before Umberger all recieved the full cap in their contracts and some after Umberger did as well. Burke put the offer out on the table for Umberger but the reports say its less than Kesslers 825. If thats correct then Umberger's offer is more than likely somewhere in the low 700's. Do the canucks think they got him in the late second round? Hell Camellari received the max as a second round pick fropm Umberger's draft. It's too bad he didn't fall to the 21st pick and go to his hometown, even though the Penguins are a low budget team they would get off thier cheap wallet and pay the kid close to what he deserves. I hope Umberger sticks to his guns and becomes a free agent on June 1 so Columbus can sign the kid.

I found it interesting that the 15 picks before Umberger all recieved the full cap in their contracts and some after Umberger did as well. Burke put the offer out on the table for Umberger but the reports say its less than Kesslers 825. If thats correct then Umberger's offer is more than likely somewhere in the low 700's. Do the canucks think they got him in the late second round? Hell Camellari received the max as a second round pick fropm Umberger's draft. It's too bad he didn't fall to the 21st pick and go to his hometown, even though the Penguins are a low budget team they would get off thier cheap wallet and pay the kid close to what he deserves. I hope Umberger sticks to his guns and becomes a free agent on June 1 so Columbus can sign the kid.

Are you sure about the 15 players that went ahead of him? I am pretty sure Knyazev did *not* get the rookie max.

Colaiacovo, however, did.

If Umberger does play in Europe...that'll be really good for him. Sort of the middle step between playing at OSU and playing in the AHL.

According to NHLPA.com

Kovalchuk - $1,130,000.00
Spezza - $565,000.00
Svitov - $1,130,000.00
Weiss - $1,130,000.00
Chistov - $1,130,000.00
Koivu - N/A
Komisarek - $1,130,000.00
Leclaire - N/A
Ruutu - N/A Probably Max though
Blackburn - $1,130,000.00
Sjostrom - N/A
Hamhuis - N/A
Hemsky - $1,130,000.00
Kobasew - N/A
Igor Knyazev - N/A
Umberger - N/A
Colaiacovo - N/A
Karlsonn - N/A
Morrisonn - N/A
Goc - N/A
Armstrong - N/A
Jiri Novotny, Budejovice Jr. - N/A
Gleason - N/A

According to NHLPA.com

Kovalchuk - $1,130,000.00
Spezza - $565,000.00
Svitov - $1,130,000.00
Weiss - $1,130,000.00
Chistov - $1,130,000.00
Koivu - N/A
Komisarek - $1,130,000.00
Leclaire - N/A
Ruutu - N/A Probably Max though
Blackburn - $1,130,000.00
Sjostrom - N/A
Hamhuis - N/A
Hemsky - $1,130,000.00
Kobasew - N/A
Igor Knyazev - N/A
Umberger - N/A
Colaiacovo - N/A
Karlsonn - N/A
Morrisonn - N/A
Goc - N/A
Armstrong - N/A
Jiri Novotny, Budejovice Jr. - N/A
Gleason - N/A

That's very interesting, going by that I would say that Umberger deserves around 900 000 base.

That may be market value but you know what Burke's stance on market value is. I'll give you what I think is fair. Don't like it? I'll drive you back to the campus.

Generally speaking, base salary is only small part of it. Most rookie contracts are insane deals with easy to obtain bonuses. Thats the real sticking point.

Generally speaking, base salary is only small part of it. Most rookie contracts are insane deals with easy to obtain bonuses. Thats the real sticking point.

Very true.