Cajanek in Russian League

[Kire]

Former Bluesman Petr Cajanek (CZE) after transfer to team AK Bars Kazan of Russian Superleague is from the first game in hot shape. He´s played in all of 21 games and has scored 9 goals + 16 assits. He´s come to Kazan when team was 16th from 20 teams after 23 played games. After his come Kazan has won 17 of 21 played games and made jump to 6th position.

[Checker*]

Originally Posted by Kire

Former Bluesman Petr Cajanek (CZE) after transfer to team AK Bars Kazan of Russian Superleague is from the first game in hot shape. He´s played in all of 21 games and has scored 9 goals + 16 assits. He´s come to Kazan when team was 16th from 20 teams after 23 played games. After his come Kazan has won 17 of 21 played games and made jump to 6th position.

Glad he can be useful in Russia rather than useless here.

[Prussian_Blue]

Originally Posted by Checker

Glad he can be useful in Russia rather than useless here.

I wouldn't go as far as to say Cajanek was "useless" here...

P_B

[WalterSobchak]

Originally Posted by Prussian_Blue

I wouldn't go as far as to say Cajanek was "useless" here...

P_B

overpaid for his usefulness.

[Irish Blues]

Originally Posted by Prussian_Blue

I wouldn't go as far as to say Cajanek was "useless" here...

OK ... mostly useless. Perhaps the better phrase is "mostly unmotivated" because for all his skill, he rarely unleashed it and almost seemed content to lope around on the 3rd line; he didn't play with any fire last year until he was waived right before the trade deadline.

[Prussian_Blue]

Originally Posted by ZaphodBeeblebrox

overpaid for his usefulness.

Cajanek was making what, $1.5 million a year, somewhere in that neighborhood?

For a guy that averages 10-15 goals, about 40 points and 40 PIM, and a plus-4 year in and year out (PC was a double-digit plus player in every NHL year but the first post-lockout year, when the Blues were the worst team in hockey), how's that "overpaid?" That's right around the average salary, right?

The problem with Cajanek was that everyone expected him to be a first-line center, and he's not. He's a guy who can anchor a third line, and jump up to the second line on a semi-regular basis to give that line an infusion of skill.

A million and a half is more than reasonable for a second-line center, or even for a third-liner with the skill level and career stats of a Cajanek.

I agree that there were some occasional motivation issues with Cajanek, but to say that he was overpaid, or "useless," is just dead wrong.

P_B

[WalterSobchak]

Originally Posted by Prussian_Blue

Cajanek was making what, $1.5 million a year, somewhere in that neighborhood?

For a guy that averages 10-15 goals, about 40 points and 40 PIM, and a plus-4 year in and year out (PC was a double-digit plus player in every NHL year but the first post-lockout year, when the Blues were the worst team in hockey), how's that "overpaid?" That's right around the average salary, right?

The problem with Cajanek was that everyone expected him to be a first-line center, and he's not. He's a guy who can anchor a third line, and jump up to the second line on a semi-regular basis to give that line an infusion of skill.

A million and a half is more than reasonable for a second-line center, or even for a third-liner with the skill level and career stats of a Cajanek.

I agree that there were some occasional motivation issues with Cajanek, but to say that he was overpaid, or "useless," is just dead wrong.

P_B

Well apparently the Blues agree, they paid him 1.5 to go play in Russia. You can call me wrong all you want, I'll side with the Blues management on this one.

[c-carp]

Originally Posted by Kire

Former Bluesman Petr Cajanek (CZE) after transfer to team AK Bars Kazan of Russian Superleague is from the first game in hot shape. He´s played in all of 21 games and has scored 9 goals + 16 assits. He´s come to Kazan when team was 16th from 20 teams after 23 played games. After his come Kazan has won 17 of 21 played games and made jump to 6th position.

This isnt directed at you, but I personally have seen all of the Petr Cajanek show that I care to and all that matters to me is he isnt wearing the Bluenote anymore.

[crackout]

I'm glad he isn't on the Blues team this year.

That said, I'm glad to see Čajánek doing okay in the SuperLeague. No doubt some NHL team will end up taking a risk on him.

[StLooFrenchy]

I still would rather have PC than RuPaulinsky.

[c-carp]

Originally Posted by StLooFrenchy

I still would rather have PC than RuPaulinsky.

Can we pass on both if those are our only options.

[c-carp]

Originally Posted by crackout

I'm glad he isn't on the Blues team this year.

That said, I'm glad to see Čajánek doing okay in the SuperLeague. No doubt some NHL team will end up taking a risk on him.

He is an older guy now it wouldnt suprise me if no NHL team gives him a second shot.

[StLooFrenchy]

Originally Posted by c-carp

Can we pass on both if those are our only options.

Agreed.