Jim Rutherford Has Full Plate in Coming Days
by Bob Wage on Jun 26, 2009 1:42 AM EDT
36 comments
Carolina Hurricanes GM Jim Rutherford has a challenging period ahead of him. Not only does he have the entry draft tonight and all day Saturday, he is in the middle of some sticky contract negotiations with his free agents, Erik Cole and Chad LaRose. You didn't think re-signing them would be easy, did you?
During an interview on Toronto's 590 The Fan on Thursday, Rutherford revealed that the Canes wanted their budget to be around 50 million this coming year. That is a bit of an increase over the approximate 49 million spent last year, but it does not leave a lot of wiggle room for the players still needing contracts. If you check out the Canes Country Salary Chart, you can see that the club has already committed to over 40 million for the 2009-10 season. That leaves less than 10 million for Cole and LaRose, as well as unsigned RFA's Tuomo Ruutu, Jussi Jokinen, and Anton Babchuk. The team has already given up on re-signing Dennis Seidenberg and has yet to contact Ryan Bayda's agent.
If we do a little basic math, we can see Rutherford's dilemma. Ruutu had a career year and deserves a raise from his 2.25 million last year. Jokinen needs to be qualified above his 1.875 of last season. While these negotiations can wait because the players are restricted and are not going anywhere without Carolina approval, the Canes will eventually have to pay out in the neighborhood of 5 million to sign them both.
Chad LaRose earned 875 thousand in 2008-09. He almost doubled his career best stats and had a very good post season, so many pundits expect him to double his salary, at least. He might be able to get 2 million or more on the open market.
Then there is Erik Cole. The winger is coming off a contract which paid him 4 million annually over three years. While his stats are down, it's unlikely that he will settle for too much of a pay cut and probably will not sign for less than 3 million without testing the open market. Teams like Montreal and Ottawa still covet this player, and even though some Caniacs might feel like his best days are behind him, it's very difficult to determine his value.
If you add up these numbers, (Ruutu 3, Jokinen 2, Cole 3, LaRose 2), the total is over 50 million and some of the prospects still have not been signed. Patrick Dwyer, Dwight Helminen, Bryan Rodney, Casey Borer, and Brett Carson will probably get minimal deals, but they need new contracts as well. And what about Anton Babchuk? (trade bait?)
The number of years that players want also needs to be considered and that can complicate matters.
July 1st is a key date because if the Canes have not signed Cole and LaRose by then, they officially go on the open market. While technically the players could still sign with Carolina after that magic date, it's unlikely to happen. And if they are not signed by the 1st, don't expect Jim Rutherford to go crazy on the open market himself. In the previously mentioned interview, he said that he would probably wait until August to pick up a player if he needs one. The GM said that the prices are too high in early July and the best deals are made in August.
He could also make a trade, but that is a whole new ball of wax.
Rutherford is known for posturing and using the press to make a point to agents during negotiations. While he made it sound during the interview like he was not even close to re-signing the players, obviously things can change quickly and last minute deals can always be made. But it seems like there is no signing imminent, otherwise the general manager would most likely think twice before using inflammatory terms like "goofy numbers".
After the draft, we will look more closely at the free agent market and see what other players are out there that might be able to replace either Cole or LaRose, if indeed one or both of them move on to "greener" pastures.
0 recs |
36 comments
|
Email
Print
Comments
Cole and Rosie
If Cole is asking for more than 2.5 million then there is no way JR re-signs him.
LaRose is a more difficult choice something in the neighborhood of 2.0 million per over three years is reasonable, but there are some GM’s out there with larger budgets and less restraint when it comes to signing FA’s.
I am disappointed at the “around 50 Million” budget, but not that surprised. With most companies in the world shrinking their annual budgets, we shouldn’t be surprised at Karmanos keeping the purse strings tight. That being said, an extra 2-3 million could do wonders for the lineup. Historically speaking, if we go over the budget it is to add a player during the season. The contracts of Kaberle and Wallin are really weighing us down.
Guess there is no such thing as a “Home Team” Discount with regards to Cole or LaRose.
Good luck to all involved.
Here’s hoping JR pulls something out of his hat.
other fish in the sea
No need to panic. I think a vast majority of teams are facing budget and/or cap problems and there will simply not be enough money to go around for all the players to earn what they rightly or wrongly feel they deserve. This will really show up in August (as Mr Rutherford pointed out – he is such a goalie – wait wait wait watch – then react), and JR will be there to find some value (SAVE!). Patience.
Look at the problem with Heatley. An incredible “franchise” player with a pricey contract (but hardly unique). But there doesn’t seem to be a line eager to take him on the roster. (and maybe Lecavalier coming up too?)
And we have all the young’uns who are waiting to prove themselves. Probably more than we’ve had since the move to Raleigh….?
There are simple rules of Supply and Demand in an uncertain economy. It’s a buyers market.
Let's go Canes!
Hakkaa Paalle!
by hockeymomof2 on Jun 26, 2009 10:55 AM EDT up reply actions
I’d almost be tempted to offer LaRose something a little more “long term” and maybe back load it…..
not in the same way that some of the “big stars” have these lifetime contracts…. that would be a stretch to say the least…. but I could see signing him for 4 years and start it at $2.25million and gradually raise it each season….
Although JR may have the CBA in mind…. I think it expires in two seasons (I could be wrong on that)
by Mateos_Canes_Lamp on Jun 26, 2009 9:35 AM EDT reply actions
But I think the league has been pleased with the way its application has worked out...
More teams have a shot to be more competitive, and fan numbers came back better than expected after the lockout.
Remember, kids...don't ever let facts get in the way of your argument.
by MichaelProcton on Jun 26, 2009 9:53 AM EDT up reply actions
I don't know if we can assume guys not signed by 7/1 are gone.
Technically, they’re not supposed to be having any kind of communication with other teams, so they just might be trying to get a true gauge of what their market value actually is.
Remember, kids...don't ever let facts get in the way of your argument.
well… from the Hurricanes point of view they are…. if a player takes a contract without being able to negotiate w/ other teams… then he really has no idea of his value on the open market…. So when teams (like the rangers) offer LaRose $2-million OVER what the Hurricanes offered him… pack his bags… he’ll be gone….
by Mateos_Canes_Lamp on Jun 26, 2009 12:24 PM EDT up reply actions
But there's no guarantee those offers will materialize.
Remember, kids...don't ever let facts get in the way of your argument.
by MichaelProcton on Jun 26, 2009 2:35 PM EDT up reply actions
No there is no guarantee…. But JR always seems to have this “I dare you to test the waters and try to come back on YOUR terms” kind of attitude….
I guess what I’m saying…. and knowing how JR operates… both players will get a better deal from the Hurricanes if they sign before July 1st than they ever will on-oh-say… August 1st…..
That is just how he is….
by Mateos_Canes_Lamp on Jun 26, 2009 2:40 PM EDT up reply actions
Michael
While the players could still sign with Carolina after the 1st, I said that it was "unlikely" because if you look at history, in most cases it does not happen. Off the top of my head, I can’t think of another time when a UFA did not sign with his original club, but did later after free agency started. But I’m sure there must be a time or two that it happened.
One of the great unsolved mysteries in the NHL? How do agents know the value of their clients if they are not allowed to talk with other clubs until July 1st? Year after year, players will be agreeing to contracts almost immediately after they are allowed to on free agent day. How does it all happen so fast without discussion or thought? I wish I knew.
GM of CanesCountry.com
Those tampering rules seem a bit ridiculous to me...
If you’re not going to enforce them, why have them? And that’s true across all leagues.
Remember, kids...don't ever let facts get in the way of your argument.
by MichaelProcton on Jun 26, 2009 3:30 PM EDT up reply actions
Also, to provide information, not just to prove a point.
UFAs to re-sign with their teams on 7/1 or later last year:
Michal Rozsival
Mark Eaton
Sergei Federov
Eric Boulton
Craig MacDonald
Remember, kids...don't ever let facts get in the way of your argument.
by MichaelProcton on Jun 26, 2009 3:38 PM EDT up reply actions
The former...
The internet is a wonderful place.
Remember, kids...don't ever let facts get in the way of your argument.
by MichaelProcton on Jun 26, 2009 4:19 PM EDT up reply actions
haha...it's a forte of mine.
Remember, kids...don't ever let facts get in the way of your argument.
by MichaelProcton on Jun 26, 2009 4:54 PM EDT up reply actions
It's really not that much of a mystery, is it?
Of course there are discussions between the agents and teams before the deadline. All that needs to happen is that this discussion must be kept private and all evidence of it must disappear. Contract negotiations take longer than 2 minutes — more likely 1-2 weeks. But it’s all back-room stuff. And if the league could ever prove that a team had engaged in “tampering” like this, they lose their first-round pick, so the teams make damned certain that it’s all hush-hushed!
by CarolinaCanuck on Jun 26, 2009 5:08 PM EDT up reply actions
Short sighted
First off, I’m just gonna say I know the Canes are a small market and I know money is tight. That said, I think keeping the payroll low here may be short sighted. The Canes have the cap space to get some top tier talent. A top pair D-man and quality RW would put this team in to serious contention for top in the East, which should bring in extra revenue. Not to mention they turned a profit last year, took a deep run to the playoffs, and should be selling more tickets than last year because of it. Again, I know you can’t go spending crazy in this economy, but sometimes you have to spend money to make money and I think this is one of those times for the Canes.
Eaves has too much upside still. He is capable of greater heights than he has reached thus far. He is still just 24 or 25 right?
We have bigger drains on our cap than Eaves.
by Iggy Reilly on Jun 26, 2009 10:39 AM EDT up reply actions
25, and I probably wouldn't trade him either...
But you’ve got to be a bit concerned he hasn’t built on his early-career success. Guys who don’t score and can kill penalties can be found cheaper and without too much difficulty.
Remember, kids...don't ever let facts get in the way of your argument.
by MichaelProcton on Jun 26, 2009 11:40 AM EDT up reply actions
With the numbers from the salary list ($40 million committed for next year — actual salaries, not cap hit) and Rutherford saying they want payroll to stay about $50 million, that leaves roughly $10 mill to sign their UFAs and RFAs. Ruutu for $3 mill and Jokinen and LaRose at $2 mill only leaves $3 mill for the others…and there’s 18 other Us and Rs left, assuming Seidenberg and Cole walk. That’s not enough money. Rutherford is going to have to move people, buy out contracts, and/or let a ton of RFAs leave.
Let’s not forget, Ward will be an RFA after next year, and he’s going to command $4-6 million a season. There are some contracts coming off the books after 09-10 (Whitney, Cullen, Corvo,Walker, Kaberle, Wallin, Leighton, and Conboy) for a total of over $16 million, but Rutherford is gonna want to resign some of those players.
I would look for the Canes to try to get near the playoffs with a minority of their free agents resigned, and then make a move for some help before the trade deadline. If some of the youngsters can contribute so much the better, but with his budget restrictions, Rutherford has a task in front of him.
Chances of Cole's rights getting traded
I’m wondering if we won’t see JR try to trade the rights to Cole at the draft. I know Ottawa wants him. I wonder what the return could be if Cole’s rights and Eaves were packaged or Cole and Babchuk.
Don't think Ottawa would want Eaves back...
But I like the idea of trading Cole’s rights if prospect of signing him is slim. Personally, I think if Cole plays anywhere else it should be in Montreal, he owns that building. The real question is what would JR get in return for a Cole package? Probably only a conditional draft pick in future draft, but that is better than letting him walk for nothing! Any deal for Cole should include Kaberle
I don’t think anyone would trade for Coles rights seeing as how he will be unrestricted in 5 days….
by Mateos_Canes_Lamp on Jun 26, 2009 2:41 PM EDT up reply actions
There are a few interested parties in Cole
Which means one of them may step up and make a trade to get him under contract, similar to the Jay Bo sweeps going on right now, but on a much less grand scale. That’s also the reason I was packaging him with people.
I have a couple of question that I hope some of the more educated people on here than I can answer. 1) what is the NHL salary cap for this year, and 2) if it is higher than this, why are we imposing this self limit, and 3) who is imposing this self limit (I think it is Karmanos, but I am not sure).
I would appreciate the help guys and girls.
Member of Canes Country and the Cat Scratch Reader
1. I don’t believe the cap has been set yet, but it’s tied to revenue, and most expect it to fall from this year’s value of $56.7 million.
2. We’re a small-market team that doesn’t have a great TV deal, attendance, or merchandise-buying base that generates the kind of revenue to be able to afford spending right up to the cap on a regular basis. Things like making the playoffs and getting an extra eight or so games at close to capacity make a big deal to our bottom line.
3. Yes, Karmanos and the board have the final say on payroll.
Remember, kids...don't ever let facts get in the way of your argument.
by MichaelProcton on Jun 26, 2009 5:02 PM EDT up reply actions
Today it was announced that the cap is set at $56.8 million for the upcoming season after the players’ union triggered the 5% escalator.
Beat me. I’m too slow typing on my iPod.
by Cory Lavalette on Jun 26, 2009 5:22 PM EDT up reply actions
Thanks to both of you.
Remember, kids...don't ever let facts get in the way of your argument.
by MichaelProcton on Jun 26, 2009 5:41 PM EDT up reply actions
They just announced it’s going up $100K for next year.
by Cory Lavalette on Jun 26, 2009 5:21 PM EDT up reply actions
I posted a fanshot of the new cap at about 2 here, but those are easy to miss.
http://www.canescountry.com/2009/6/26/926422/league-sets-salary-cap-at-56-8
GM of CanesCountry.com
Trolls?
I’m wondering if the 3 votes for Cole deserving over $3mil are the same 3 folks giving every Cane an “F” grade for the season.
Think it’s just a coincidence? Hmmm. Spies are everywhere,
Let's go Canes!
Hakkaa Paalle!
If “Out-of-Control” Cole wants $3 million, see what you can get for him and let him go. I really would like to see LaRose resigned, but I think $2 million plus is too much. Remember Ruutu and Jussi are restricted, so you can just offer a qualifying offer. That would be just under $2.5 for Ruutu and just under $2 for Jussi.
Eric Cole-Chad Larose
Why not try an sign both of them for as little as possible, we cannot afford to let a lot of our present players get away. After all a bird in the hand is worth a lot more than a bird in the bush.
robert
Comments For This Post Are Closed
Secondary Sidebar
User Tools
Related FanPosts on Canes Country
Related FanShots on Canes Country
FanPosts
Community blog posts and discussion.
Recommended FanPosts
Recent FanPosts
In Association With
Latest Puck Daddy - NHL from Yahoo! Sports
- In which former NHL coach Ken Hitchcock foils a shoplifter
- Montreal's Price talks new 2-year contract, expectations post-Halak
- Donald Fehr aware of Kovalchuk drama, mum on everything else
- Puck Headlines: Savard's agent rants on Bettman; Halak in Montreal
- Boudreau, Crawford placed on the coaching hot seat
Certain photos copyright © 2010 by Associated Press or Getty Images. Any commercial use or distribution without the express written consent of Associated Press and Getty Images is strictly prohibited.
