And which FAs would you target in this upcoming class? It's not too deep with scorers after you get by a couple of big names who may or may not re-sign with their current teams, and are any big names ready to sign up with Phoenix?:
Marleau and Kovalchuk are the only two FA's that I think could come in and make a serious offensive impact. I'd be jumping up and down if they signed either but if they got Kovy I'd probably start weeping tears of joy.
I don't think Kovalchuk will leave Atlanta. Though, if he did, why would he decide to do so only to sign in Phoenix? It seems like the two teams are too similar for that. What would be the point? What can we offer that Atlanta can't?
Marleau might move on. He's an excellent player, no doubt. He'll be thirty one years old when he begins earning his next contract. This season he's playing on the NHL's deadliest line with the league's best playmaker, and one of the world's greatest goalscorers. He's spent the last half decade with Thornton on the team as well. I'm not saying he's not good on his own, we all know that he his. It's just I'd be worried about handing him a retirement contract to come play on a team with out anything anywhere near the talent he's enjoyed being surrounded by thus far in his career.
Frolov is interesting, and will almost definitely hit the market. He's so intelligent, strong, and skilled on the ice. Questionable attitude, heart, and drive, though. Struggles with consistency, but is still fairly young. He's always been a Coyote killer and I'm a huge fan of his game. I don't know if there is a better potential line mate for Martin Hanzal, either. Still, he'll be making big, big money and will probably get a long-term deal. With all of the character questions swirling around him, I'd be very hesitant to make such a large commitment.
I'd be scared to just add willy nilly because we're so desperate for any kind of offense. The long-term implications of these big money deals are pretty serious.
Of course the other issue is roster spots. Which forwards would you be okay with letting go? Lang and Pyatt probably. Who else? How long do we keep Turris, Boedker, Porter, Tikhonov, MacLean, etc., etc. off of the NHL roster?
I don't think Kovalchuk will leave Atlanta. Though, if he did, why would he decide to do so only to sign in Phoenix? It seems like the two teams are too similar for that. What would be the point? What can we offer that Atlanta can't?
Personally I pull for ATL in these cases, I like to see teams that develop players retain them when it's time for that player to hit the bonus. That said, with the cap likely going down next year, the typical players for a Kovalchuk are going to be in a world of hurt making a big contract work. So why does that leave for him? Teams like us and Atlanta.
Oh I think the chances of signing Kovalchuk are slim and none but if they some how pulled it off I would be absolutely beside myself!!!!
I see a gaping hole at left wing, center and a lot (16 mil) of cap space.
Kovalchuk - Savard - Doan
Stranger things have happened. Savard and Kovy both had just shy of 100 pts that year.
I'm dreaming, I know, but it is curious to think of how easily the fortunes of this team could be changed on the ice. Off the ice is another matter altogether, but if big daddy Reinsdorf or crazy man Stotland can figure out a way to make the club profitable then we'd be set. Signing those two wouldn't require anything more than a lot of wooing and cold hard cash. No assets to cough up, so to speak. That's how fast you can change things in professional sports.
It's the haves vs the haves not. Depressing.
Imagine what Don Maloney could do with some real money. Signing players like that (although you pay a premium for FAs) allows you to do the dance and trade picks/prospects as well. Damn.
Even with new deep pocketed owners, getting a marquee free agent to sign here will be difficult until the franchise is stabilized. A far more likely route would be trading with a salary cap constrained team (Chicago, Washington, Boston, New York etc.) to take a big contract off their hands. Depending on how young and how good that player is would determine the cost. Salary flexibility is a valuable tool. There are only a couple of teams in the league who could add a big ticket, especially if the cap should drop. It would be nice to truly be one of them.
Even with new deep pocketed owners, getting a marquee free agent to sign here will be difficult until the franchise is stabilized.
I think you contradict yourself here. If, suddenly, this franchise has the ability to go out and sign a Kovalchuk type player then by all means the franchise is stable. Phoenix is a great city to live in, and offers a big market without a lot of the scrutiny. I recognize that not every player likes the weather here or being in the back of most peoples minds. But one thing I've learned is that players love cold, hard cash. If Kovalchuk suddenly finds himself looking at more money and a longer term from a team he may not choose as his first destination, he is going to have to think long and hard about it. That money may not be there, going forward, because of the growing/shrinking cap.
You see players signing 8+ year contracts because it's guaranteed money. All of it. This isn't the NFL. Because DiPietro signed for 15 years with the Islanders doesn't mean he wants to be there; it simply means he's no fool. Throw a similar contract to a Kovy type player, and you might just hook yourself a prized FA. We don't need to argue the merits of throwing big long term contracts at players to play in a resort city, though. That's another problem we have.
The new owner needs to make a big splash. With the position the organization is in, ironically enough, spending money to acquire a big name will be the best way to do such a thing. I really, really do not want to cough up a Turris or Yandle type player when we can just sign someone for cash. Stick with your guns, or outright buy some more. Don't swap them.
With the position the organization is in, ironically enough, spending money to acquire a big name will be the best way to do such a thing. I really, really do not want to cough up a Turris or Yandle type player when we can just sign someone for cash. Stick with your guns, or outright buy some more. Don't swap them.
I tend to agree with this, especially what the Coyotes would have to trade in order to get a top 6 player. If the budget is available, management needs to look at getting a top 6 player or two on the free market and not by trading valuable assets that might compromise the future. Thankfully I trust that the current management grasps that better than posters that argue otherwise.
I see a gaping hole at left wing, center and a lot (16 mil) of cap space.
Kovalchuk - Savard - Doan
Stranger things have happened. Savard and Kovy both had just shy of 100 pts that year.
I'm dreaming, I know, but it is curious to think of how easily the fortunes of this team could be changed on the ice. Off the ice is another matter altogether, but if big daddy Reinsdorf or crazy man Stotland can figure out a way to make the club profitable then we'd be set. Signing those two wouldn't require anything more than a lot of wooing and cold hard cash. No assets to cough up, so to speak. That's how fast you can change things in professional sports.
It's the haves vs the haves not. Depressing.
Imagine what Don Maloney could do with some real money. Signing players like that (although you pay a premium for FAs) allows you to do the dance and trade picks/prospects as well. Damn.
They got him to a nice cap hit as well. Granted it pays him until 38 and I can't see him being productive for that long. Doesn't matter though, teams always find a way to get rid of contracts they don't want.
They got him to a nice cap hit as well. Granted it pays him until 38 and I can't see him being productive for that long. Doesn't matter though, teams always find a way to get rid of contracts they don't want.
I think the Jury is still out on this, lest see what happens with Dipetro, Hossa, Zetterberg, Richards et al when their 35, that plus what happens when the cap comes down substantially next year, in this economic climate the ATLs and PHXs of the league arn't in a position to take on a $6m contract no matter whom they may be. You can't exchange cash anymore. Mark my word in 2 years CHI, DET et al are going to be in a world of hurt.
So its now December and still no owner. Plus we have conflicting reports on when the team will be sold.
Will the team be sold to a local buyer this month? This season?
Or is the team gone after this season? Posted via Mobile Device
So its now December and still no owner. Plus we have conflicting reports on when the team will be sold.
Will the team be sold to a local buyer this month? This season?
Or is the team gone after this season? Posted via Mobile Device
All references to a deadline for selling the team have been changed to the end of the season for sometime now so it being December doesn't mean anything anymore. Not that I don't wish there was a buyer in place, just that December is no longer a deadline.
All references to a deadline for selling the team have been changed to the end of the season for sometime now so it being December doesn't mean anything anymore. Not that I don't wish there was a buyer in place, just that December is no longer a deadline.
With the emergence of Stotland and sportsnet.ca reporting that Ice Edge was meeting again with the league yesterday in Chicago and IEG thought a deal was "imminent," I'm not feeling over-anxious. I want sooner rather than later, but I want it sold to the right group, too.
I don't think we worry until it's February and we're hearing nothing but crickets.
With the emergence of Stotland and sportsnet.ca reporting that Ice Edge was meeting again with the league yesterday in Chicago and IEG thought a deal was "imminent," I'm not feeling over-anxious. I want sooner rather than later, but I want it sold to the right group, too.
I don't think we worry until it's February and we're hearing nothing but crickets.
Why did Ice Edge back out? Glendale won't let them have 5 games in Regina SK?
Does Glendale feel they have a lease that can be upheld by any judge?
Also I agree since the NHL needs a lot of time to get a team moved including changing the schedule. Posted via Mobile Device
Ice Edge didn't back out. It thinks the "imminent" deal is it buying the team!
Damn my comprehension skills are off. Damn UofA education!
The sooner we get this over with the better.
I wonder though, were are we going to put new concession stands and restaurants in the arena?
In the meantime, let's offer those who buy lower level tickets to go to the CA Club for a fee plus a fee to the buffet.
STH's of CA get the buffet and some drinks for free.
Also let's sell individual tickets to suites if we can't get groups to buy all the suites at once. Posted via Mobile Device
Damn my comprehension skills are off. Damn UofA education!
The sooner we get this over with the better.
I wonder though, were are we going to put new concession stands and restaurants in the arena?
In the meantime, let's offer those who buy lower level tickets to go to the CA Club for a fee plus a fee to the buffet.
STH's of CA get the buffet and some drinks for free.
Also let's sell individual tickets to suites if we can't get groups to buy all the suites at once. Posted via Mobile Device
Comerica Club may go bye-bye. Turn it into a Tilted Kilt or some other restaurant. I'd hate giving up my seats, but if they can convert it into something that generates more revenue, I'm all for it.
Comerica Club may go bye-bye. Turn it into a Tilted Kilt or some other restaurant. I'd hate giving up my seats, but if they can convert it into something that generates more revenue, I'm all for it.
There's always Toyota Club. Hopefully you'll get to keep your good seats. Posted via Mobile Device
Comerica Club may go bye-bye. Turn it into a Tilted Kilt or some other restaurant. I'd hate giving up my seats, but if they can convert it into something that generates more revenue, I'm all for it.
I keep saying it a Gentlemen's Club, or Casino, you want to really open up a revenue stream. Morality aside, this team would be in the black instantly.
I keep saying it a Gentlemen's Club, or Casino, you want to really open up a revenue stream. Morality aside, this team would be in the black instantly.
You keep saying it and I keep laughing every time you do. That one never gets old.
The closest Jobing.com is going to get to strippers is by opening up a Heart Attack Grill with an outside smoking lounge.
The only gambling that will take place at the arena too is 50/50 raffle. Posted via Mobile Device
Anybody heard anything regarding the Ice Edge meeting with the NHL Monday?
Darren Dreger was talking about it on NHL on the Fly last night. He basically said there wasn't much news on the topic other than the NHL is concerned if Ice Edge can sustain the losses year after year until they can make the team profitable. I guess there are some funding questions for Ice Edge, if they have enough capital to support the team in the long haul.
