Quote:
Originally Posted by Tender Rip
That seems.... optimistic. Hiller just got 4.5 per, and with Halak having a breakthrough year, everyone knowing how talented Price is, and 2011 being a really weak draft, you don't think anyone will put pressure on prices with offer sheets for goalies that good?
Even assuming you're right with Pleks and the goalies... what do you suggest Pouliot and Sergei should be making? Pens could surely try for Pouliot for instance. 3 years at 1.75 per takes him to a contender, playing with Crosby or Malkin should be productive for his stats, and he can then go the 'get PAID in UFA' route afterwards - or take a two year deal to get the hike faster while keeping him RFA. That kind of money would only necessitate a 2011 2nd rounder from the Pens.
With Kostitsyn for instance - an offer sheet for less than a million... no compensation. Up to 1.5 million... a third rounder (this seasons comp).
I think this will be the year offer sheets become a real factor.
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Well offer sheets are out of my control when i make assessments about how much money they're going to get. Everyone is at risk to getting signed to offer sheets (or signed period) if they aren't re-signed before July 1st. I'm hoping most of them get contracts before this situation happens. Of the 11 odd players that are either RFA's or UFA's, there are priorities. I think its integral to re-sign Pouliot and Halak before they get offered a sheet, simply based on well they played this year. Price as well, because he's still a hot commodity based on his upside. Then I'd make sure we get Plekanec and Moore contracts; these guys are our best options at center, with no good options in sight for a few years to come. Lock down these 5 players first, then decide what to do with any remaining salary. Sacrifices will probably have to be made; just be sure not to keep the wrong players. Moore replaces Metro--that's easy. Pyatt can probably replace Lapierre. Sergei is a good player but if someone offers him a sheet you'd have to let him walk--besides Moore and Moen, we can't afford to give anyone else in the bottom 6 more than a million a year. I could see a lineup like this next year if we lose a bunch of tweener players:
Pouliot-Gomez-Gionta
A.Kost-Plekanec-Cammy
Moen-Moore-Pyatt
Darche-Maxwell-White
Markov-O'byrne
Hammer-Spacek
Gill-Gorges
Halak
Price
As far as our bottom 6 is concerned, as long as the work ethic is there, i think they'll be fine. I also think that Boucher is and will continue to save the Habs organization money by how well he develops the youngsters.