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Originally Posted by smackdaddy
Alright. Let me make you feel better. From here on out Shawn Horcoff and Ales Hemsky have officially swapped contracts. Horcoff comes in at a reasonable cap hit of $4.1M and Hemsky is now on par at $5.5M. All is right in the world. The fans can now go back to harping on Pisani, Moreau and Staois.
And don't worry. If you had not realized it yet, Quinn is only sending a message to the team. It's very symbolic and cryptic I know, but basically he's saying "Earn your spots". Jacques earned his spot. Stone earned his spot. Brule earned his spot. Gagner did not. Schremp most certainly did not. So perhaps instead of blaming the coaching staff or management or whoever it is today, we can let the players decide who wants to be a part of this team and who doesn't.
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I don't live in Bizarro World where your attempt to rationalize contracts might help to make you feel better about Horcoff's salary. Hope it helps! Denial - not just a river in Egypt!
Thanks too for the incredible insight into Pat Quinn. You mean he really won't stick rigidly to the lines that will start the season? Whew! This message brought to you by Captain Obvious.
I think there is ample criticism to go around on a hockey team walking in the wilderness for the last three seasons and entering into this year with virtually the same roster. Personally, I begin with the players. They showed little heart and character last year. Secondly, I will fling some poo at management for bad contracts and overhyping its players. Thirdly, MacT was clearly operating past his best before day and short of Dr. Frankenstein's jumper cables could not inspire, coax or shame consistent performances out of Penner, Nilsson and others.
Don't like mine or others take on the Oilers situation or Sean Horcoff, scan the net. People paid to report and comment on hockey are actually pretty consistent on things. Try on for size:
http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=293221
Horcoff, 31, will earn US$7 million this season and is coming off a 53-point campaign as the team's top centre. That, after a 50-point season cut short by injury in 2007-08 and a 51 points in 2006-07.
That's not the bang for the buck the Oilers were expecting when they signed Horcoff to a new contract after he had 73 points in 2005-06.
"A lot of it is maturity," Horcoff said. "Guys are a year older. There comes a point in your career where you either make that move or you don't.
"For a lot of us, it's here. I think we're prepared to do that. If you look down the roster, maybe two or three guys would be happy with their year last year. There's lots of room for improvement.
Or Try Bob McKenzie's analysis on his TSN Video. There is lots out there...
My accountability starts with the players and rests to a large degree on their shoulders. The first place I look there is to whether the high priced help is pulling its weight.
