It's a lot of money for Malhotra. But Gillis did a clever thing - it expires right as Cody Hodgson and Jordan Schroeder's entry-level contracts end. So right when we'll need that money, it's coming off the cap. I don't mind it at all - if you want to address needs on the UFA market you need to overpay.
Solid signing. I think as the likes of Belanger, Cullen, etc, sign we'll be more and more impressed with how much we paid.
Brutal, brutal signing. Not happy with this at all. If Hodgson makes the team (you have to assume he will at some point over the next 3 years) we have a 4th line centre making 2.5million AND with an NTC?
Just as bad as the Armstrong signing. Just an awful headscratcher.
By the end of 3 years Hodgson better be in the top 6 or else....
Either him or Kesler (more likely) will switch to wing with the other centre. We knew we'd overpay on free agency for guys, so yes, this is a tad bit steep, but clearly Gillis has stated THIS is the year to make the push. We have our opening with many uncertainties around the league, San Jose will be greener in net, Chicago will have less depth - it's time now to push forward.
We could have had him for cheap last year though I'm sure... interesting note - he's married to steve nash's sister.
You're aware that any of Kesler, Malhotra, and Hodgson can play wing if necessary?
Usually a younger player that is still developing in terms of size is better suited at the Center position because he doesnt really go into the Corners as much as a winger and have to overpower defenders for the pucks.
I like this signing a lot. Even if Hodgson makes the team, having a guy like Malhotra to play with should help him a lot. Malhotra's big, kills penalties and adds to the depth down the middle. The amount is about what you get in FA, the Samuellsson deal kinda spoiled us. I like Malhotra better at 2.5 then Armstrong at 3 because of his versatility.
And also baby stepped their way through development with the Canucks and turned into the Elite players they are today.
Hodgson obviously didnt deserve to make the team last year but I dont see how you dont give this guy a shot.
Don't forget that Hodgson is coming off sitting out nearly an entire season due to injury. He's going to get a shot but it would be foolish not to have capable players in the lineup if he doesn't light things up right away.
Let's say our top 6 forwards are the Sedins, Burrows, Kesler, Raymond and Samuelsson. Who did we have in the bottom six before this signing? Hansen, Glass, Hordi, Oreskovich, Rypien and possibly some of Schroeder, Hodgson, Shirokov, Bliznak?
We really needed some quality third and fourth-line forwards considering that Bernier, Wellwood, Demitra, Johnson and Grabner are all likely gone. There's still lots of space for Hodgson to slot in -- this doesn't force him out of the lineup at all.
I like this signing a lot. Even if Hodgson makes the team, having a guy like Malhotra to play with should help him a lot. Malhotra's big, kills penalties and adds to the depth down the middle. The amount is about what you get in FA, the Samuellsson deal kinda spoiled us. I like Malhotra better at 2.5 then Armstrong at 3 because of his versatility.
I agree, if Hodgson does get on the third line, having someone like Malholtra there too will give him a decent level of protection so he's not just being nailed into the ice / boards every shift by some goons, same with Schroeder if he gets on the third line.
Don't forget that Hodgson is coming off sitting out nearly an entire season due to injury. He's going to get a shot but it would be foolish not to have capable players in the lineup if he doesn't light things up right away.
Let's say our top 6 forwards are the Sedins, Burrows, Kesler, Raymond and Samuelsson. Who did we have in the bottom six before this signing? Hansen, Glass, Hordi, Oreskovich, Rypien and possibly some of Schroeder, Hodgson, Shirokov, Bliznak?
We really needed some quality third and fourth-line forwards considering that Bernier, Wellwood, Demitra, Johnson and Grabner are all likely gone. There's still lots of space for Hodgson to slot in.
I agree with that and I'm not against the player we got, it's primarily the term and it's also about giving a young kid a shot.
I appreciate the explanation you've given me and not going all "CDC" on me.
I agree with that and I'm not against the player we got, it's primarily the term and it's also about giving a young kid a shot.
I appreciate the explanation you've given me and not going all "CDC" on me.
It's hard to say how the signing will look in two or three years' time, but it's a very good move for next year at least and I doubt we could have gotten Malholtra on a shorter contract without paying more. And if Hodgson is ready this year then it probably just forces a guy like Glass or Hordi out of the bottom six which is fine by me.
Malhotra was the forward I wanted most. I didn't think he'd be over 2mil but that's what happens when you're dealing with an open market. You have to overpay and if you want a guy it's something you have to do.
We needed a player like Malhotra and I'm glad we got him.
Hodgson can also move up to the 2nd line to play C with Kesler. Kesler plays wing but takes draws and they switch positions a la Mats Sundin. If we were talking about having grabs on the second line this year Hodgson is a much better choice. Also, Schroeder could play the 2nd line and Raymond drops to the third.
WOW. 1040 is saying the Bieksa is a "good deal" now compared to UFA market.
Why not? He struggled coming back from a gruesome injury (tendons severed!) in an already fractured D corps. Suppose he is able to return to form paired with Ballard, for example. It could be good.
I was shocked when I heard that.
It's hard to say how the signing will look in two or three years' time, but it's a very good move for next year at least and I doubt we could have gotten Malholtra on a shorter contract without paying more. And if Hodgson is ready this year then it probably just forces a guy like Glass or Hordi out of the bottom six which is fine by me.
