How Much will the Canes Spend Next Season?
by Bob Wage on May 28, 2009 2:45 AM EDT
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PrintThe Carolina Hurricanes have some difficult decisions ahead as they try to figure out how to make the team better next season. Who will stay and who will go? While it's difficult enough to make judgements about players based solely upon skill and grit, the cold reality is that the most important factor and the basis for making these decisions will depend upon the budget for next season.
Last year the Canes spent about 49-50 million, which was a bit above their intended budget. The league's salary cap was set at 56.7 million, so the team still had plenty of room to spend, if they wanted to. While the league has indicated that the cap will drop next season, (to about 55 million), the Hurricanes budget will continue to be below the cap. But how much lower?
One would hope that they might spend a bit more than they did last year because the team made money due to the deep run in the playoffs. But there are no guarantees about that. If you check out the salary chart below, you will see the Canes already have 16 players signed for next year and over 40 million committed at the present time.
Eric Staal is at the top of the list with a cap hit of 8.25 million. But the out of pocket expense for the Canes this year for Staal will be 6 million because his contract is backend loaded. That is the number which will hit the budget.
There are a couple of players currently under contract that management would love to move, but let's assume everyone stays for now. The team needs to re-sign or replace the following unsigned Hurricanes:
- Ryan Bayda UFA
- Erik Cole UFA
- Dennis Seidenberg UFA
- Chad LaRose UFA
- Tuomo Ruutu RFA
- Jussi Jokinen RFA
- Anton Babchuk RFA
A few of those players will want a raise, but Carolina can not afford all of them. Or can they? Will they even want to bring back everyone? One could assume that the team will not be able to improve if they bring back the exact same lineup from last year.
Tough decisions, right? Well, stay tuned because the Canes Country brain trust will soon be sharing a few thoughts. Cory, Scott, and I will be having a round table discussion of sorts and will let you know what we think. Will we be in complete agreement? That is highly doubtful.
(For your future convenience, you can find this salary chart on the left sidebar under "Canes Related Links")
|
Player |
Cap Hit 2009-10 |
Salary 2009-10 |
Salary 2010-11 |
Salary 2011-12 |
Salary 2012-13 |
|
| Eric Staal | $8,250,000 | $6,000,000 | $7,500,000 | $7,750,000 | $8,250,000 | |
| Joni Pitkanen | $4,000,000 | $4,000,000 | $4,500,000 | UFA | ||
| Rod Brind'Amour | $3,600,000 | $3,000,000 | $3,000,000 | UFA | ||
| Ray Whitney | $3,550,000 | $3,550,000 | UFA | |||
| Matt Cullen | $2,875,000 | $2,800,000 | UFA | |||
| Tim Gleason | $2,750,000 | $2,500,000 | $3,000,000 | $3,500,000 | UFA | |
| Joe Corvo | $2,625,000 | $2,750,000 | UFA | |||
| Cam Ward | $2,666,667 | $3,500,000 | RFA | |||
| Sergei Samsonov | $2,533,000 | $2,500,000 | $2,800,000 | UFA | ||
| Scott Walker | $2,500,000 | $2,500,000 | UFA | |||
| Frantisek Kaberle | $2,200,000 | $2,200,000 | UFA | |||
| Niclas Wallin | $1,725,000 | $1,725,000 | UFA | |||
| Patrick Eaves | $1,400,000 | $1,400,000 | $1,700,000 | UFA | ||
| Dennis Seidenberg | 0 | UFA | ||||
| Tuomo Ruutu | 0 | RFA | ||||
| Jussi Jokinen | 0 | RFA | ||||
| Anton Babchuk | 0 | RFA | ||||
| Erik Cole | 0 | UFA | ||||
| Chad LaRose | 0 | UFA | ||||
| Brandon Sutter | $ 875,000 | $ 875,000 | $ 875,000 | RFA | ||
| Michael Leighton | $ 600,000 | $ 600,000 | UFA | |||
| Ryan Bayda | 0 | UFA | ||||
| Tim Conboy | $ 500,000 | $ 500,000 | UFA | |||
| Season Totals | $42,646,667 | $40,400,000 | $23,375,000 | $11,250,000 | $ 8,250,000 | |
| **these figures do not include bonuses |
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Comments
Thanks for the info
somehow we need to unload Karberle and Wallin from the books, retirement, trade, buyout. Seems like we can buyout a player in last year of contract for 50% of contract value? All signs point to LaRose wanting to resign, but what level of contract? He is due to at least double his salary from this year. I say we sign Cole to a one year deal, two at the most for no more than 2.5 mill. I think Seids is gone, Babchuk is back. What will Sutter’s role be next year? If we re-sign Jokinen that would give us 5 centers, though Jussi can play anywhere. People may complain about Pitkanen’s salary, but I think by end of the deal this will be a steal. Think back to how much he developed as a player throughout the year….and always with a smile. God love the Finns!
by SouthernHockeyFan on May 28, 2009 8:10 AM EDT reply actions
Buyout rules...
If the player is over 26, 2/3 of the remaining cap hit, paid over twice as long as what’s left on the contract. Under 26, it’s only 1/3.
by MichaelProcton on May 28, 2009 5:39 PM EDT up reply actions
Why is Staals Cap Hit over $2-million higher than his salary????
I get confused w/ cap numbers…..
by Mateos_Canes_Lamp on May 28, 2009 9:13 AM EDT reply actions
Mateo
Staal signed a 7 year deal and my chart does not stretch that far. He is going to be paid in excess of 9 million in his last two years. The Cap Hit number is the average of his 7 year contract.
GM of CanesCountry.com
Got ya…. thanks for pulling me onto the same page :-)
by Mateos_Canes_Lamp on May 28, 2009 2:24 PM EDT up reply actions
also,
you think we are in a bind here in the off season.
check out the numbers for pittsburg.
http://www.nhlnumbers.com/overview.php?team=PIT&season=0809
EVEYR ONE is a FA
and malki nand crosby are combined for 18 MIL for the next 4 years.
Ward
I know that Ward’s contract isnt up until after next season but I think JR made a statement last year with Staal’s extension. He said that he didnt like his franchise players going into their final season wondering what would happen after that season so with that being said does JR go ahead and extend Ward? I think it would be a slap in the face to Ward if he doesnt.
Any thoughts?
cory, would it be possible to add this years salaries to the UFA’s and RFA’s so that there is soemthign to compare?
You can always look here for last year’s numbers:
by Cory Lavalette on May 28, 2009 10:33 AM EDT up reply actions
Bubba: Great job listing the actual cost for this year. Given that the team works off a budget rather than the cap, it’s definitely worth noting all this.
by Cory Lavalette on May 28, 2009 10:08 AM EDT reply actions
Budget and Playoffs
I’m sure the team wants to keep within its budget as it is a business.
However, making the playoffs should also be a major consideration, afterall, when we make the playoffs we bring in more revenue. Does any one have figures on how much money is made per playoff game? I figure at least a million in profit per game.
by CanesFanFromLI on May 28, 2009 10:35 AM EDT reply actions
I believe it’s in the neighborhood of $1 million per game … that’s not all profit, I’m assuming, but close to it.
by Cory Lavalette on May 28, 2009 10:44 AM EDT up reply actions
I was trying to figure that out too
Hard to know what it costs to “rent” the RBC for a night. But I’m thinking the Canes earned themselves another $3mil just with ticket sales for each series. Maybe more.That ought to help out Mr Karmanos. Plus they must get something coming in from the TV rights for 18 extra games.
Another question: I know last year the revenue sharing conversation was troublingthe Canes because we hadn’t gotten the attendance numbers up. Did we get back where we needed to be this year? Surely that is another source of income to help us keep this corps together, and maybe find a first class running-buddy to support Eric. (unless these young guns that are so promising are really ready to take the stage).
I was surprised to see Jordan S was only 20. He plays and looks a lot older.
by Carolyn Christians on May 28, 2009 10:45 AM EDT up reply actions
How would he compare to Samsonov – both small, fast, about 30. I was thinking someone younger and bigger….
by Carolyn Christians on May 28, 2009 11:00 AM EDT up reply actions
First, I would be surprised if Jersey let him go. Also, as mom said it the Canes would like to get bigger. Boychuk and Bowman are dynamic players, but offer little size.
GM of CanesCountry.com
I think NJ will let him walk … fwiw, Rutherford has already said they’re looking to get bigger in the draft. Krieder or Kassian would be my best off-the-top-of-my-head guesses in Round 1.
by Cory Lavalette on May 28, 2009 11:14 AM EDT up reply actions
Also a bigger Finn, Joonas Nattinen, who is projected at the bottom of the first. Though I think they’d be more likely to go with the American (Kreider) if available.
by Cory Lavalette on May 28, 2009 11:15 AM EDT up reply actions
exit interviews
Chip Alexander is apparently sitting in the waiting room outside JR’s office doing his own exit interviews after each players exit interview. then posting on Canes Now (I get the RSS feed) Samsonov and Jokinen so far. Jokinen wants to stay here real bad. (no surprise) Hopefully is agent will listen to him and not mess up the chemistry. (as someone who spends a lot of time working with real estate agents and attorneys I’ve seen how the extra body expecting a commission can make things more complicated between 2 otherwise like-minded parties).
by Carolyn Christians on May 28, 2009 11:20 AM EDT up reply actions
Sure are, thanks!
another important ladies note:
Everyone’s shaved their beards but Jussi.
by Carolyn Christians on May 28, 2009 2:09 PM EDT up reply actions
The wife likes the beard
I’m under orders not to shave it again
Knowledge is Power!
Power Corrupts!
Study hard,
Become Evil!
I did...
It was sad, yet liberating. Particulary when I was working outside today at 90 degrees. I also cut about five inches of hair off.
by MichaelProcton on May 28, 2009 8:50 PM EDT up reply actions
One more comment … Jordan Caron could be a good fit, but the Canes just don’t seem to draft guys from the QMJHL early. Quick research tells me that they haven’t taken a guy from the Q earlier than the fifth since the move to Raleigh with two exceptions: Jesse Lane (D, 2002, 3rd Rd., 91st overall) and Francis Lessard (RW, 1997, 3rd Rd., 80th overall). On top of that they haven’t had much success with the late-round guys either … Chaput, Blanchard and Manzato (who’s actually from Switzerland) are all AHLers right now with slim shots at permanant NHL gigs, and Sam Morneau was a seventh-rounder last year and spent rookie camp falling down.
by Cory Lavalette on May 28, 2009 11:22 AM EDT up reply actions
Pistilli?
That deal kind of happened while we were all debating the Pittsburgh game 1. What do we know about this guys potential and what they want from him?
He is huge. Can he skate and/or handle the puck?
by Carolyn Christians on May 28, 2009 11:14 AM EDT up reply actions
This kid went undrafted, so it’s hard to expect very much from him. But a lot will depend upon how these players do at training camp. In the past, there have been surprises.
GM of CanesCountry.com
the kid scored 45 goals where he was playing this year, it looks like he went undrafted ,then proved everyone wrong.
obviously he isnt getting 45 in the nhl right now, but 45 goals is a good thing against anyone.
scoring in the Q is always high, though. Yes, he scored 45 (tops on Shawinigan), but three others had 34 or more.
by Cory Lavalette on May 28, 2009 2:13 PM EDT up reply actions
I honestly don’t think the team will be in the market for any big-name free agents.
by Cory Lavalette on May 28, 2009 11:06 AM EDT up reply actions
agree, they might be looking for a cheap diamond in the rough, unless they can pull a trade.
GM of CanesCountry.com
I know you’re very right. But it’s still May, and this is a little like window shopping. Helps to open up the imagination to the what-ifs and then figure out how to get close to that goal on the budget (and other realities) of the times.
by Carolyn Christians on May 28, 2009 11:09 AM EDT up reply actions
Second Tier FA's
Cory/Bubba,
What do you guys think about Beuchimen from Anahiem? Early apologies for butchering of name? Good size, tough player, good salary level…
by SouthernHockeyFan on May 28, 2009 12:08 PM EDT up reply actions
I don’t see him coming. Joni and tim are signed long term and they surely have McBain penciled in long term. I doubt they’d commit to anyone who wants a multiyear deal unless it’s Babchuk.
by Cory Lavalette on May 28, 2009 8:19 PM EDT up reply actions
current and complete roster link?
I was looking at the roster on the right side of the Canes country home page. It has some of our youngsters (Boychuk and Sutter) on it, but not Dwyer nor McBain. Probably others I’ve completely forgotten or never heard of. Can you point me to a link showing what’s coming up in the Canes system?
(I’m never gonna be able to make a recommendation on who to keep and who to let go unless I have this kind of info. And you gotta know Jimmy R is relying heavily on my expertise !. ;) )
Thanks as always.
by Carolyn Christians on May 28, 2009 8:41 PM EDT up reply actions
Here’s the page from the Hurricanes website
Here’s a look at a site more geared towards prospect analysis.
For anyone interested, they list our top six as:
Boychuck
Sutter
Bowman
McBain
Zac Dalpe
Mike Murphy
The best RW is Nick Dodge, at 11.
by MichaelProcton on May 28, 2009 8:49 PM EDT up reply actions
Well hey, look at that!
Very cool. What, exactly, are your responsibilities over there?
by MichaelProcton on May 29, 2009 2:21 AM EDT up reply actions
I’m there Hurricanes writer. Do all the monthly assignment articles. Next up is analyzing the 2004 draft (Ladd, Peters, Borer, Carson).
by Cory Lavalette on May 29, 2009 8:56 AM EDT up reply actions
So...
You don’t actually do the pospect profiles?
by MichaelProcton on May 29, 2009 1:31 PM EDT up reply actions
there are some guys who scout that do some of the talent analysis if needed … but all the player blurbs, ect., get updated each year … and I do the Number/Letter ranking.
by Cory Lavalette on May 29, 2009 2:18 PM EDT up reply actions
Well...
We averaged 16,572 (88.5% full.) Those numbers were 21st and 22nd in the league.
by MichaelProcton on May 28, 2009 5:41 PM EDT up reply actions
i think everyone should come back from the FA list except cole, he simply will still probably demand a high salary or be insulted if we come in with a low offer. however well he played for those few games after he was traded here, the playoffs simply proved that he realy doesn’t have much left, or enough left to make more then 1.5 million, which he would probably balk at.
Time for some fun
Let’s Seids, Roise and Bayda go.
Don’t get me wrong, I like Rosie, but he obviously deserves a raise and we can do just as well with a rookie I think. Dennis doesn’t fit the new system that well and Bayda was just spare change throughout the season.
Buy out Wallin and Kabs.
There was a piece somewhere in the last week (NHL.com or ESPN.com) on the long-time connections and loyalty among many people associated with the Hurricanes franchise, beginning with Karmanos and Rutherford in Michigan. Can’t find it now.
LaRose was another name they mentioned as a part of the long-term history. from another NHL.com piece on LaRose a couple weeks ago:
Actually, the only owner he’s played for, it seems, has been Peter Karmanos Jr. LaRose played for Compuware, the OHL’s Plymouth Whalers and the East Coast Hockey League’s Florida Everblades — all owned by Karmanos. He made it 4-for-4 when the Hurricanes signed him on August 6, 2003.
\blockquote /block quote this is the end of the quote (NOTHING WORKS!)
While he might go, (this is my take) that it’s a bigger deal for Rosie to leave the Karmanos fold than for Seidenburg or Bayda. Maybe he’s ready, but it’s way outside his hockey-life envelope. He doesn’t seem like the guy always dreaming of greener pastures.
by Carolyn Christians on May 28, 2009 12:23 PM EDT up reply actions
that was it. Thanks for locating it.
by Carolyn Christians on May 28, 2009 1:52 PM EDT up reply actions
Really?
We can get constant energy and 20 goals from a rookie? Ask Brandon Sutter how that worked out.
by MichaelProcton on May 28, 2009 5:48 PM EDT up reply actions
NHL Awards — June 18
Entry Draft — June 26 (Rd. 1) and June 27 (Rds. 2-7)
Free Agency — July 1
by Cory Lavalette on May 28, 2009 11:38 AM EDT reply actions
I was glad when they traded away Cole a year ago. I was VERY skeptical when they brought him back. I’ll be GLAD when they let him go again. I like Cole but the guy just cant ever, EVER finish. I’ve said it before but hes really good at going “coast to coast” and breaking through 4 defenders only to never get a shot off at all. They’re paying Staal good money, he shouldn’t need Cole to help him do his job. I understand the whole best friends thing, but come on. Ruutu’s way better than Cole.
I don’t think they’d choose Cole over Ruutu. Cole will need to step in line and realize he’s not a top line guy (for this team) anymore, even if he happens to play on Staal’s wing.
by Cory Lavalette on May 28, 2009 2:15 PM EDT up reply actions
If Cole doesnt agree to far less $$ – let him walk. I dont believe that he will get the cash anywhere else.
by PittsburghCaniac on May 28, 2009 2:35 PM EDT up reply actions
Cole showed in the 05/06 season that he could finish and he could be a top line forward. He scored 30 goals in the 60 games he played. (Then came the neck injury). Staal’s production was at its best during this period as well.
The question realy is can the old Cole come back? His play in game one, before the knee on knee injury looked like the old Cole, maybe that series would have turned out differently had Ruutu and Cole not been injured.
I’d sign him also, if he’s willing to take a little less money.
by CanesFanFromLI on May 28, 2009 2:48 PM EDT up reply actions
Unite the Staals
I know I’m dreaming but wouldn’t it be great if JR could unite the Staals here in Raleigh? I say trade Corvo for Marc. Corvo’s +/- was not good in the playoffs and we already have Pitkanen and a cheaper Corvo in the making (Babchuk). Marc is a great all-around Dman who’s best years are coming.
Next we trade Cullen for Jordan. Pittsburgh will have salary issues coming up with the 2 big guns and Cullen would be a serviceable 3rd center for them. We make Jordan our number 2 center, which he deserves to be. The competition between Eric and Jordan would push them both to be there best.
OK…I just woke up….dream over.
i wish….
Marc for Corvo would never work. Marc is a way better player already with great upside.
I like Corvo though. I just wish he would learn how to keep the puck in at the point better.
by packpigskinfan25 on May 28, 2009 2:59 PM EDT up reply actions
Brindy
I was really hoping Brindy would retire, When your -23 for the season 2 years after winning the Selke trophy, then there is a problem. In the regular season he just looked as if he couldn’t keep up anymore. His play is deteriorating quickly and he is taking up a big part of our cap, that could be replaced by a younger, better player for much less. He wasn’t horrible in the playoffs but I still think it is time for him to move on. What if we signed Radek Bonk or Manny Malhotra? Any thoughts?
Canes still have to pay him if he retires. Contract was signed when he was past 35.
I don’t think it counts towards the cap, but I could be wrong there.
We all know JR hates to waste money.
Opposite is true. He wouldn’t be paid but would count against the cap. Not really an issue for Carolina if he were to retire b/c they don’t spend up to the cap.
by Cory Lavalette on May 28, 2009 3:48 PM EDT up reply actions
Well, I had it backwards. Whatever, my point still stands.
Might as well have him on the roster if he is gonna be using cap room.
For those who think Brind’Amour is past his prime (not me), it would benefit the salary situation for him to go. The team could care less what their cap hit is (they won’t approach the ceiling), they care how much they’ll spend.
by Cory Lavalette on May 28, 2009 4:24 PM EDT up reply actions
When your -23 for the season 2 years after winning the Selke trophy, then there is a problem.
The Problem was TWO KNEE SURGERIES!!!!! Geez…. It’s Rod Freeking Brind’Amour…. Not Kevyn Adams……
by Mateos_Canes_Lamp on May 28, 2009 3:29 PM EDT up reply actions
He was also plus-7 down the stretch. I think he’ll come back and be a legit second or third line center next year
by Cory Lavalette on May 28, 2009 3:49 PM EDT up reply actions
I’ve been waiting for this to show up on Puck Daddy……
Eulogy (or however you spell it)
LOL….. What a loser…. but it’s still hard for me to be mad at a Mets fan….
by Mateos_Canes_Lamp on May 28, 2009 3:41 PM EDT reply actions
Yeah, I know those are supposed to be pretty tongue-in-cheek, but it just continues the hate fest that those guys have for the Canes.
Whatever, we’ll see if Brodeur can ever win anything without Stevens + Daneyko in front of him, besides regular season games of course.
Not much new in that eulogy. Trash the fans..check Talk about Buffalo’s injuries in 2006…check trash the fanbase some more….check
Would be funny to allow disgruntled fans to write those about their own team. Nothing worse than an upset fan.
GM of CanesCountry.com
If Jokinen doesn’t distract Brodeur and score the cheapest goal in the history of the Stanley Cup playoffs, the Devils win that game and likely the series. Let’s not even discuss Game 7.
This stuck out the most.
CHeapest goal in the HISTORY of the stanley cup playoffs? Really?
What went on in Game 7 that upset him so much?
The 'Canes won
beating Brodeur twice in 80 seconds.
Nothing much.
Knowledge is Power!
Power Corrupts!
Study hard,
Become Evil!
Funny thing about that quote is that The game would have gone into overtime if that goal wasn’t scored…. a win was not guaranteed for the Devils…..
by Mateos_Canes_Lamp on May 28, 2009 8:06 PM EDT up reply actions
A Raleigh hockey fan describes his big night out on Glenwood South with the Pens Sunday
by Carolyn Christians on May 28, 2009 3:50 PM EDT reply actions
My bad, wrong link – try this one
by Carolyn Christians on May 28, 2009 3:51 PM EDT up reply actions
I would love to see a decent winger be put on Staal’s line. But as everyone said, we don’t really have the $$$ for it, and we have too many FA as it is.
Member of Canes Country and the Cat Scratch Reader
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