My best guess is it being a combination of a depth signing, Vernace liking his time in Norfolk(just a guess), and it being reasonable terms(don't know for sure, haven't seen any concrete info yet) led Yzerman to just getting this one out of the way.
Vernace is just about league average (for a bottom pairing guy) and got a cheap two way. Its an okay depth signing. Good experience guy for Norfolk as well, and we want to keep a winning culture together there (at least until we move).
My actual argument, besides not being NHL quality, is why they would do this before the draft. They don't know who they're going to have then. (I'm thinking along the lines of picking another Gudas type overage player)
It wouldn't be hard finding another overage defensemen, but you probably won't find one as good as Gudas with a 5th, 6th, or 7th round pick.
My only problem with this signing is the same; this doesn't need to be done right now. SFY should wait until he's taken care of some bigger priorities first. But maybe this has nothing to do with that and he's already sent a bunch of initial offers out and the AHLer with the least amount of negotiating power accepted it right away.
Vernace is just about league average (for a bottom pairing guy) and got a cheap two way. Its an okay depth signing. Good experience guy for Norfolk as well, and we want to keep a winning culture together there (at least until we move).
I don't know about this guy....
In 2009 he made $65,000 in Norfolk / $500,000 in the NHL
In 2010 he made $55,000 in Norfolk / $500,000 in the NHL
I think I'd fire my agent if it keeps going this way!
(Twinkies / cap reference was really just in regards to his low pay in the ahl)
It wouldn't be hard finding another overage defensemen, but you probably won't find one as good as Gudas with a 5th, 6th, or 7th round pick.
My only problem with this signing is the same; this doesn't need to be done right now. SFY should wait until he's taken care of some bigger priorities first. But maybe this has nothing to do with that and he's already sent a bunch of initial offers out and the AHLer with the least amount of negotiating power accepted it right away.
I wasn't intending to say that I want them to draft an overage player. BPA (as that means within the context of the overall vision of the team) ftw.
I was meaning that you don't know who is going to be available as the rounds go on. SFY and/or the scouting staff may decide that an overage player is that guy at some point, which then creates the possibility of a totally avoidable logjam.
(If he's 18 or 19, he goes back to junior, so that's why it would pretty much have to be an overage.)
It seems pretty common in the NHL to have the Asst. GM be the GM for the AHL team, and therefore to negotiate contracts for the appropriate players. This might be the case here as I don't think they have him signed with the NHL in mind.
It makes very little sense to say that you need to see how some other contracts go before being able to make a decision on them, just to turn around and sign Mike Vernace.
Hold on Purcell, The Vernace wants to talk contract.
What's with Tampa Bay and getting their low-level players in order so early? Capgeek is now reporting that Mike Angelidis has signed (or will soon be signing) a one-year, two-way extension for the NHL minimum?
What's with Tampa Bay and getting their low-level players in order so early? Capgeek is now reporting that Mike Angelidis has signed (or will soon be signing) a one-year, two-way extension for the NHL minimum?
Angelidis was pretty much a lock to return, imo. He showed tremendous improvement compared to his previous season and he brings a lot to the Ads. I'm really happy he's staying in the organization for at least another year.
"Just to reiterate, the Lightning will be keeping Roloson as either their backup, once they find a starter in free agency, or he may stay their starter if the price is not right."
Red Wings are letting Joey MacDonald go. I wouldn't mind him as a backup for around 550-600k. Dirt cheap backup and since he was with the Wings there could be some familiarity there with SFY.
"Just to reiterate, the Lightning will be keeping Roloson as either their backup, once they find a starter in free agency, or he may stay their starter if the price is not right."
