candidates would be resign Arnott, elevate Ott or Kaps, move jokinin to center, sign a lower priced vet, sign O. Jokinin and change colors to Finland Blue and White. Any thoughts?
If the Stars can't resign Arnott, they won't be able to sign Jokinen. Olli will likely be out of their price range regardless.
Stars preferably would sign someone physical to fill that 2nd line role. Arnott would probably be best if he would resign. Arnason is a cheaper possibility. Guess they could take a chance on Jason Allison. Maybe Cajanek from STL. Roenick??
If they promote from within, Barnes would probably get 2nd line duty with oner of the Finns or Hagos playing 3rd or 4th line C.
Last edited by Famous Flames: 03-07-2006 at 09:20 AM.
If the Stars can't resign Arnott, they won't be able to sign Jokinen. Olli will likely be out of their price range regardless.
why not ?
waive Guerin, sent him down to Iowa and hey, there're nearly $7 Mio cap space (so it's not only if the Stars can resign Arnott but also if they want)
and if i've the cap space available i'd prefer Jokinen over Arnott
Olli will probably command 5 to 6m a year. Stars can't afford that with the salary they have committed.
Depends on what the salary cap is and what moves the Stars make beforehand.
I'm not sure I agree he gets that kind of salary, either. Jokinen is a 60-ish point player having a career season with loads of ice time. Demitra -- an equally if not more skilled player -- just went for $4.5 million this season.
Last edited by The Frugal Gourmet: 03-07-2006 at 10:25 AM.
Good points. A few counters to consider -- There are few really good UFA centers available in 2006, there are lots of teams looking for a #1 center (and willing to pay #1 money) and teams have a better idea of how to work within the cap system. I think all of that will inflate center prices and work against the Stars.
I think if Arnott was willing to take something in the $4 mill range, he would have already been signed. He likely wants 6+ and thus the problem. Alot depends on what the cap number is and what they do with Guerin. I think it is likely that a second tier guy will be brought in for next year unless someone believes Jussi can be a center (which I doubt).
Good points. A few counters to consider -- There are few really good UFA centers available in 2006, there are lots of teams looking for a #1 center (and willing to pay #1 money) and teams have a better idea of how to work within the cap system. I think all of that will inflate center prices and work against the Stars.
It might. Every team needs a #1 center, but a great #2 center is considered somewhat of a luxury item in a capped NHL. I can see him being priced high. Honestly, if he's too high the Stars might consider passing and looking at alternative ways to spend their money.
I'm not sure what other good centers will be available. Richards and Arnott, off the top of my head....
I think if Arnott was willing to take something in the $4 mill range, he would have already been signed. He likely wants 6+ and thus the problem. Alot depends on what the cap number is and what they do with Guerin. I think it is likely that a second tier guy will be brought in for next year unless someone believes Jussi can be a center (which I doubt).
I think the Stars would be relatively crazy to spend over $4 million for Arnott, unless the salary cap goes way up and Arnott (finally) shows something playing his current role in the postseason.
I am not sure they can or will pay much more than 4.5 or so. That said going into next year with Barnes as a #2 center would suck. Passing year after year on guys like O'sully, Schremp and even Hudler hurts and we will pay for it next year. It makes no sense to take guys like Clune Sawada or Fistric when when grinders and defensive d-men can be obtained for mid-round picks and they come with experience
I am not sure they can or will pay much more than 4.5 or so. That said going into next year with Barnes as a #2 center would suck. Passing year after year on guys like O'sully, Schremp and even Hudler hurts and we will pay for it next year. It makes no sense to take guys like Clune Sawada or Fistric when when grinders and defensive d-men can be obtained for mid-round picks and they come with experience
Meh. I don't think there's much sense in worrying quite yet. Arnott may please us in the postseason -- in which case maybe we'll be feeling generous -- or he may be unimpressive yet again -- in which case letting him go won't be that painful. We don't really know what the salary cap will be. We don't know for sure who will really be available, what the market will be, and who we'll be able to part with. We won't know what pressing needs will be exposed between now and then. I think we shouldn't panic regarding the #2 center situation. It's not even one of the most critical positions, if you ask me.
