I don't know if anyone has more than anecdotal evidence on this, but it seems like once we established ourselves as super duper terrible, we got a steady stream of backup goalies for the 2nd half of the season.
I think this happens most seasons to teams who are 'out of it.' I wonder how much influence that has on our winning and improvements of various players. Certainly a bit of inflation involved I imagine.
On top of this -- which I believe is true, although there's really no way to show how *much* of an impact it had -- it's simply a different game when you're "in the hunt" rather than "playing out the string." It's just easier to play when you're not under as much pressure. They still need to prove they can play like this when the two points really matter.
My point is this: Is any salary paid in a non-playoff year worth it? What if Cole scored 15 more goals, but the Habs were still in 15th? Would it justify his contract? Just asking, because I personally, don't think it matters. I think the Canes overpaid dearly for several players in recent years, and paid a handful too much for this season. Next season may be even worse unless they make the playoffs.
The team was never expected to be this bad in the standings. Obviously if we knew in July that we'd be this bad it would have changed the outlook on who they signed, but including the current record is hindsight.
Cole has done exactly what was asked of him for the production.
My point is this: Is any salary paid in a non-playoff year worth it? What if Cole scored 15 more goals, but the Habs were still in 15th? Would it justify his contract? Just asking, because I personally, don't think it matters. I think the Canes overpaid dearly for several players in recent years, and paid a handful too much for this season. Next season may be even worse unless they make the playoffs.
When Cole's not the problem, yes, he's worth it for the Habs. Unfortunately for them they have bigger problems (and salaries) that they need to fix, but Cole certainly is the least of their worries this year, and likely next year as well.
When Cole's not the problem, yes, he's worth it for the Habs. Unfortunately for them they have bigger problems (and salaries) that they need to fix, but Cole certainly is the least of their worries this year, and likely next year as well.
JR will be in the hunt to re-re-acquire him by that time!
JR has to know when to keep somebody around and when to let them go. It just seems to keep biting him in the rear in recent years with the guys he lets walk. The ones that stick out were Whitney and Cole. They were leaders and had major roles here, the others were just washed up nobodies we never minded anyways. Sure they could make their own decisions in UFA but when you make lowball offers and somebody else doesn't, this is still a business and they are going to go where it is. Then he goes and signs somebody like Ruutu to a big contract for big years. We all want Ruutu to be the player his contract reflects and you see somebody like Cole go and light it up the year after leaving home. Just like me, I was a fan but just don't see what Ruutu has done since he's been here to earn it or make this team better. Sure, he scored some goals in his early years, made some hits and is a fan fav. Other than looking slow and out of the play most of the time and listening to us say what we want him to be, I just don't see it.
At least Ruutu is beast and isn't afraid to throw is weight around. He doesn't fight I know, but unless I'm mistaken, I believe only Cal Clutterbuck has more hits than him since the lockout.
I'm fine with Skinner-Jokinen-Ruutu as the second line if either Staal can play consistently like he has in this second half or we can get another legit first liner to help carry the Staal line when he's struggling.
Erik Cole is a hack who only has one move and it is inferior to Chris Neil's interference move. Neil can do more in fourteen minutes than Cole could do in 20
He had a hell of a year this season and by UFA dollars, probably paid off his full contract with this year alone when you consider guys like Drury and Gomez. I was happy for him, but even happier that the Habs didn't make the playoffs. I don't want to see Cole in the playoffs ever again as much as I like him. The memories with Carolina are too pure from '02 to coming back unexpectedly in '06.
Great job Erik. Now come back to earth next season.
