Free Agent Frenzy - Open Thread
by Bob Wage on Jul 1, 2009 12:58 PM EDT
412 comments
Come in the comments section to discuss the free agent deals. Who are the winners and who are the losers? I will be in and out, but will leave this open all afternoon.
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Maybe not a free agency thing, but I think JR has handled Babchuk perfectly. He didn’t trade him at the draft and now has a tradable PP specialist. He can wait to see who strikes out in the FA market then deal Anton’s right to them for a better return than he would have gotten in Montreal.
Babchuck may not be as tradable as he seems though…. his attitude pops in and out from time to time…
Although he screwed himself out of arbitration rights by playing in Russia…. He should be kissing the feet of JR for having the second chance to play….
by Mateos_Canes_Lamp on Jul 1, 2009 1:33 PM EDT up reply actions
not so, it seems...
Remember, kids...don't ever let facts get in the way of your argument.
by MichaelProcton on Jul 1, 2009 2:19 PM EDT up reply actions
What is going on with florida and jordan leopold? Are they going to re-sign him or just let that whole trade go to waste?
Member of Canes Country and the Cat Scratch Reader
They did get a third-rounder, yes?
Remember, kids...don't ever let facts get in the way of your argument.
by MichaelProcton on Jul 1, 2009 2:21 PM EDT up reply actions
But it would be a loss b/c the flames got bo-boy re-signed/
Member of Canes Country and the Cat Scratch Reader
Which the Panthers were never going to do.
Remember, kids...don't ever let facts get in the way of your argument.
by MichaelProcton on Jul 1, 2009 2:24 PM EDT up reply actions
a little out of place I posted on last post, but I wanted opinions on my thoughts on babs…..
I think the Babchuk hating is a little too much. Yea he did have a rough playoffs but dont forget this guy is still very young for a DMan. For those calling him a "train wreck in his own end" dont forget the guys was a +13 on the season compared to Corvos -1. The fact that he played 72 games, averaged over 18min of time on ice, scored 35 points and was a +13. I totally think hes worth more than 1 mil. I think hes probably worth 2-2.5 per. Now Im not saying we should sign him, we already have capable scoring dmen, but hes not out of line to want more, way more, than 1 mil!…..just my opinion.
Gleason 70 games, 12 pts, +3
Corvo 82 games, 38 pts, -1
Pitkanen 71 games, 33 pts, +11
Babchuk 72 games, 35 pts, +13
Looking at these numbers, why should Babchuk make less than Wallin?
We can’t re-sign Babs and make moves into FA. I hate to see the PP QB specialist go, but lets face it: that was really the only thing he did well with. He had a good offensive presence, but his D was shaky and unreliable at key times.
Member of Canes Country and the Cat Scratch Reader
He was almost always matched up against the other team's checking line.
Remember, kids...don't ever let facts get in the way of your argument.
by MichaelProcton on Jul 1, 2009 2:23 PM EDT up reply actions
His stats are not an issue at all for me… he kind of blew out in the playoffs, but so did a lot of our guys…
My issue w/ Babs is his attitude… all the way from refusing to play in the AHL… to going to Russia while he was still obligated to the club here…. to (now) refusing to take his qualifying offer…. enough is enough with this guy already. Take his crybaby butt back to Russia!!!!
by Mateos_Canes_Lamp on Jul 1, 2009 2:25 PM EDT up reply actions
I think he’ll end up w/ the Rangers…. just because New York can’t help themselves… and what could be more entertaining than having LaRose and Avery on the same team…..
ugh…. I’m making myself sick…..
by Mateos_Canes_Lamp on Jul 1, 2009 2:39 PM EDT up reply actions
Gomez couldn’t find chemistry with Jagr or Shanahan; what makes them think he’ll find it with Kovalev?
Booth stays in Florida. I hate that guy. 6 years, apparently. Whats with the long deals? Isn’t the cap gonna shrink?
The longer the deal, the easier it is to pay them well down the road without a huge cap hit.
Remember, kids...don't ever let facts get in the way of your argument.
by MichaelProcton on Jul 1, 2009 2:25 PM EDT up reply actions
They were just talking about Cole, LaRose, and Seidenberg on NHL Live, describing LaRose as a guy for the bottom of the lineup who can jump up in certain situations. So the consensus seems to be that LaRose is a good third-liner at best; if he’s holding out for top 6 money, he’ll probably be disappointed.
reading about Heatley, wow what a character. demands a trade and now is holding up one with the Oilers.
GM of CanesCountry.com
It’s too bad the contracts are guaranteed….. situations like that would make you want to tell a guy to get lost….
by Mateos_Canes_Lamp on Jul 1, 2009 1:51 PM EDT up reply actions
If they didn't want that to happen..,
They shouldn’t give out NTCs.
Remember, kids...don't ever let facts get in the way of your argument.
by MichaelProcton on Jul 1, 2009 2:39 PM EDT up reply actions
It's apparently very front-loaded, so they could cut him loose at the end without a big financial hit.
Remember, kids...don't ever let facts get in the way of your argument.
by MichaelProcton on Jul 1, 2009 2:41 PM EDT up reply actions
SNYRangersBlogRT: @NYRNation: Fan590 in Toronto is reporting Donald Brashear is now a New York Ranger
Whole lotta love
I’ve got lots of love to go around. Danny will always be my first. OK, my second. Dale Smedsmo was my first.: http://www.whalershockey.com/roster.asp?image=on&sort=name+ASC
Wait...
what’s the punchline here?
Remember, kids...don't ever let facts get in the way of your argument.
by MichaelProcton on Jul 1, 2009 2:52 PM EDT up reply actions
Maybe...
…you saw the comments of some of the ladies on this board and got it mixed up. “I love Erik Cole butt.”
;)
DiPietro is starting to look like one of the biggest busts….
Member of Canes Country and the Cat Scratch Reader
I don't think injuries deserve the bust label.
Remember, kids...don't ever let facts get in the way of your argument.
by MichaelProcton on Jul 1, 2009 2:54 PM EDT up reply actions
Rumors are saying that the ‘Canes are interested in Gionta, but it doesn’t make sense to me, given that JR says he wants to go for size up front.
Maybe my wife would want to watch more games if we get him = good for me! Lets go get Gionta! Cmon Bubba, ya have to be secretly pulling for him too!
by PittsburghCaniac on Jul 1, 2009 2:42 PM EDT up reply actions
Poor Edmonton. Nobody wants to go there. Ever see the interview where Bryzgalov is making fun of the weather in Edmonton? Yeah.
the sabres are usually cheap, probably depends on the price right everyone?
by PittsburghCaniac on Jul 1, 2009 2:43 PM EDT up reply actions
If it is because of the cap that is one thing, otherwise Billionaire Golisano should open up his wallet for a measily few mil more.
by PittsburghCaniac on Jul 1, 2009 2:54 PM EDT up reply actions
Knuble signed in Washington; 2 years at $2.8 million per. A good deal and he is the player I wanted. Oh well :(
doesnt that have to do with cap hits and players when the retire after a certain age? Just a thought- maybe they are minimizing the cap if he retires.
by PittsburghCaniac on Jul 1, 2009 2:55 PM EDT up reply actions
They pay him the big bucks while he’s still productive and it makes it easier for him to retire or for them to buy him out in the later years. Lecavalier’s lifetime contract is structured the same way
My question is: where is all of the $$$ coming from in chicago?
Member of Canes Country and the Cat Scratch Reader
this
Remember, kids...don't ever let facts get in the way of your argument.
by MichaelProcton on Jul 1, 2009 3:00 PM EDT up reply actions
It’s official…Brashear to NYR, 2 years, 1.4 mil per year. They trade Gomez to open up cap space and they spend it on an enforcer in his late 30s? Didn’t Colton Orr beat him up last year?
I don't see how 1.4 uses up 5 worth of space.
Remember, kids...don't ever let facts get in the way of your argument.
by MichaelProcton on Jul 1, 2009 3:01 PM EDT up reply actions
Ballgame
Remember, kids...don't ever let facts get in the way of your argument.
by MichaelProcton on Jul 1, 2009 3:01 PM EDT up reply actions
I hope we don’t re-sign him. I’m gonna hurl if we do.
Member of Canes Country and the Cat Scratch Reader
Cole
We do not need to “overpay” for Cole. There are other players out there that I believe could help this team. If we get him at a good rate I am all for it.
As long as we get Cole at a reasonable price, I’m okay with it. Would prefer to LaRose back, but who knows.
by hockeythoughts on Jul 1, 2009 4:09 PM EDT up reply actions
What do ya’ll think of Tanguay? Could be a decent playmaking winger for Staal, though we are heavy on the LW
Quick, check out Marian Gaborik’s wikipedia entry. It’s changing every two minutes. He’s been on the Rangers, the Buffalo Bills, the New York Liberty, and Real Madrid; he’s been a civil war reenactor, a pornstar, and a NASCAR driver. wft.
latest change
“He hates hockey now because everyone edited his Wikipedia page too much. So he decided to screw over the NHL and go to Japan.”
Thats why I don’t like this. b/c he isn’t getting any better. He is not top line talent, and now he is sucking up money that could have been saved up for someone else.
I just don’t like it. I would have rather had him walk then stay. On another note: TOLD YOU YOU WEREN’T GETTING BIG MONEY ON THE MARKET COLE!!!!!!
Member of Canes Country and the Cat Scratch Reader
Two years, 2.5 a year was what I was thinking and hearing. That’s great for him.
by hockeythoughts on Jul 1, 2009 4:10 PM EDT up reply actions
way too much- I agree with the 2.5 figure- what are they thinking!
by PittsburghCaniac on Jul 1, 2009 4:13 PM EDT up reply actions
JR is a little to loyal to a fault here. I’m telling you this is gonna bite us in the butt. If Cole continues to produce these low numbers, that is 2.8 mil gone down the drain.
Jeez, I would not have minded Gionta at that price, but Cole??? No way!
Member of Canes Country and the Cat Scratch Reader
Wow...
I’m sure it gets mentioned later, but just 5/$5 mil
Remember, kids...don't ever let facts get in the way of your argument.
by MichaelProcton on Jul 1, 2009 11:19 PM EDT up reply actions
The numbers weren't low in the regular season here...
We can only hope those are the ones he shows and not the playoff/Edmonton ones.
Remember, kids...don't ever let facts get in the way of your argument.
by MichaelProcton on Jul 1, 2009 11:18 PM EDT up reply actions
The numbers weren't low in the regular season here...
We can only hope those are the ones he shows and not the playoff/Edmonton ones.
Remember, kids...don't ever let facts get in the way of your argument.
by MichaelProcton on Jul 1, 2009 11:18 PM EDT up reply actions
He's certainly older, though.
Remember, kids...don't ever let facts get in the way of your argument.
by MichaelProcton on Jul 1, 2009 11:20 PM EDT up reply actions
still leaves plenty for Ruutu. this 2.8 puts the Canes at about 44.7 million right now.
GM of CanesCountry.com
LaRose is a goner…. I’d be surprised if he hasn’t signed somewhere else by the weekend….
by Mateos_Canes_Lamp on Jul 1, 2009 4:16 PM EDT up reply actions
I am not happy about that deal with Cole- seems bad, then again, we won’t know for a year or two.
by PittsburghCaniac on Jul 1, 2009 4:14 PM EDT reply actions
Most likely Ruutu will not sign for his qualifying offer…. it’s just that they have to offer him something in order to keep his rights…. and now they have until the end of August sometime to negotiate the “real deal” with him….. Qualifying offers are usually not the real offer….
Unless it’s Babchuck….
by Mateos_Canes_Lamp on Jul 1, 2009 4:18 PM EDT up reply actions
It is possible he plays on it, though...
If he doesn’t get offers he likes from us or anybody else and he thinks he’ll have a good season next year.
Remember, kids...don't ever let facts get in the way of your argument.
by MichaelProcton on Jul 1, 2009 11:23 PM EDT up reply actions
pr info
"Erik clearly had an instant impact on our team when he returned to Carolina in March," said Rutherford. "He has been an important piece for our franchise for a long time and we are pleased that he has decided to remain at home in Raleigh."
GM of CanesCountry.com
important enough to trade to Edmonton last year JR?
by PittsburghCaniac on Jul 1, 2009 4:20 PM EDT up reply actions
I'm fine with it.
Love Cole, loyal to Cole, always has a place on this team for this fan.
Love, love, love the Canes!
A place and an expensive place are different things
Remember, kids...don't ever let facts get in the way of your argument.
by MichaelProcton on Jul 1, 2009 11:25 PM EDT up reply actions
Paul Branecky says "More is coming so stay tuned"
Tthis after he puts up the cole numbers.. so something is in the works.
I’m surprised nobody has signed him yet. But, He isn’t one of the top tier guys out there, so IDK.
Member of Canes Country and the Cat Scratch Reader
He apparently never called back after JR's final offer.
That doesn’t bode well.
Remember, kids...don't ever let facts get in the way of your argument.
by MichaelProcton on Jul 1, 2009 11:25 PM EDT up reply actions
It will piss me off though: all they needed to do was re-sign to begin with. LaRose I can understand leaving to get more, but Cole was an idiot to think he could have gotten more out there.
Member of Canes Country and the Cat Scratch Reader
thats a little harsh if there was a small chance you could make a Whole lot more, youd look too, then he did what we all wanted him to do originally, sign for less, how can you blame him?
All I’m saying is that teams were not going to offer him 3-4 mil for the performance and stats he has provided. He had to have realized that. JR gave him more than I wanted, but he should have known he wasn’t getting a pay raise.
Member of Canes Country and the Cat Scratch Reader
Who said Cole wanted a raise? For all we know, JR had offered him less yesterday and waiting until today to sign could have brought the offer up to the 5.8 mil deal that he got.
He said he went to his max offer for both of them before the deadline.
Remember, kids...don't ever let facts get in the way of your argument.
by MichaelProcton on Jul 1, 2009 11:28 PM EDT up reply actions
He signed for less?
Less than what?
Remember, kids...don't ever let facts get in the way of your argument.
by MichaelProcton on Jul 1, 2009 11:27 PM EDT up reply actions
...especially in contract years.
Remember, kids...don't ever let facts get in the way of your argument.
by MichaelProcton on Jul 1, 2009 11:28 PM EDT up reply actions
LaRose Prediction
LaRose has worked hard, earned his way in the NHL. I just can’t see him signing with another team. LaRose has earned the right to go through the whole dramatic pause thing as we all hold our breath to see what happens. But I think at the end of the day he will resign with the Hurricanes. Hope I’m right.
"Earned the right?"
How do you figure?
Remember, kids...don't ever let facts get in the way of your argument.
by MichaelProcton on Jul 1, 2009 11:30 PM EDT up reply actions
Yes, earned the right.
LaRose scored a lot in juniors but went undrafted because of his size. He tried out with Detroit twice as a free agent and wasn’t signed. He tried out with the Canes and they signed him to a free agent contract. Worked his way up the system, lead the AHL team in points and finally got his chance with the big club as a fourth line energy guy. The fact is he has always done what was asked of him. When the Canes wanted a fourth line energy player, LaRose came through. When he moved to a higher line, again, he produced. He’s only produced from juniors until now but it’s not a lie to say he had more obstacles than other players who were maybe bigger. So I don’t have a problem saying he “earned the right.” He could have just as easily hung the skates and quit. There’s probably another “Chad LaRose” in the world who was maybe told he couldn’t make it in the NHL and decided to listen to other people and hung his skates. Really, if you watch LaRose play, he isn’t the most graceful player when he gets the puck on his tape, but if you watch him play you can see that there is no one who works harder to get the puck.
by hockeythoughts on Jul 2, 2009 8:44 AM EDT up reply actions
Eh...
I think there’s been just as much commitment and investment in his development from the ’Canes end.
Remember, kids...don't ever let facts get in the way of your argument.
by MichaelProcton on Jul 2, 2009 9:53 PM EDT up reply actions
Anyone see Erik and JR at PF Changs for Lunch to work this out, absent the agent? Maybe Mrs Cole joined them…
Maybe this will soften LaRose’s take too. All his buddies playing in Raleigh without him. Maybe Matt Cullen can send a quick text. Something like: “RANGERS SUCK! Run for your life!”
Let's go Canes!
Hakkaa Paalle!
I sure as shit hope Colesie paid.
Remember, kids...don't ever let facts get in the way of your argument.
by MichaelProcton on Jul 1, 2009 11:30 PM EDT up reply actions
So what was this “more to come” that Paul Branecky promised?
Member of Canes Country and the Cat Scratch Reader
Good journalism marketing, whatever it was. I’m hooked to all media sources to hear. LaRose or somebody new…?
Let's go Canes!
Hakkaa Paalle!
Who knows. It wasn’t any more specific than that. Could mean anything.
by hockeythoughts on Jul 1, 2009 4:40 PM EDT up reply actions
What a big sack of worthless.
Remember, kids...don't ever let facts get in the way of your argument.
by MichaelProcton on Jul 1, 2009 11:33 PM EDT up reply actions
From Canes Now:
4:40 UPDATE: General manager Jim Rutherford said he has been in constant discussions today with Chad LaRose’s agent, Pat Morris. It’s possible a decision could soon be reached.
Thing is, if we resign LaRose, after resigning Cole, we won’t have the $$$ to get a decent scoring winger for Staal. I have no problem with resigning LaRose b/c he fits very well on our second/third lines. But Cole does not help Staal all that much. Nothing can change now, but we still will not have that power forward/scorer for Staal’s wing.
Member of Canes Country and the Cat Scratch Reader
I dont know about that. If cole does anything well, its help staal. Cole may not be able to finish, but hes powerful, and he very strong on the puck. He creates room for staal. cole may not be the best finisher but he definately goes strong to the net, defenders have to respect him. did you not see Staal pick up the pace once Cole came back?
Cole helped just fine in the regular season.
Remember, kids...don't ever let facts get in the way of your argument.
by MichaelProcton on Jul 1, 2009 11:33 PM EDT up reply actions
Do you have Rosey’s email of cell # Bubba? If so, can you post it so we can all offer the boy some guidance?
Let's go Canes!
Hakkaa Paalle!
Bubba, you could take him- ya probably have the height advantage :)
by PittsburghCaniac on Jul 1, 2009 5:17 PM EDT up reply actions
Excellent point – but I would wonder about that Chuck Norris moniker.
Let's go Canes!
Hakkaa Paalle!
hey dude, what do you think so far?
I think Washington improved bigtime with Knuble
GM of CanesCountry.com
Ohlund to Tampa makes more sense then anything they did last year, so that has me worried a bit. I think Knuble helps Washington, but losing Federov, and more importantly Brashear who won’t be around to protect Ovechkin, I think nets that out to zero.
Hear Cole talk live
Canes have announced that Erik Cole will be on 99.9 between 5 an 6pm. I usually listen to it on the livestream here. PLAY Now button in the very top right corner
Let's go Canes!
Hakkaa Paalle!
nhl_canes The Hurricanes have re-signed depth forwards Michael Ryan and Patrick Dwyer and are still working on something else.
Stop teasing!
All I’ve heard is that Forslund said that they offered him a 3 year deal, but he didn’t like the money.
Member of Canes Country and the Cat Scratch Reader
And he might have wanted a longer-term deal, too...
His career profile would seem to suggest he’d appreciate some job security.
Remember, kids...don't ever let facts get in the way of your argument.
by MichaelProcton on Jul 1, 2009 11:40 PM EDT up reply actions
Colesy is on 99.99 now.
In case anyone wants to listen.
Scuderi?
Here’s what ESPN’s blog with Scott Burnside is saying.
LeBrun (5:25 p.m. ET): Here’s what I’m hearing on Rob Scuderi. I’m told “4-5 teams” are in the hunt for the solid free-agent blueliner. I’m told the Pittsburgh Penguins will hear again from their camp as a courtesy, but it’s unlikely the team will have enough cap space to match.
Let's go Canes!
Hakkaa Paalle!
He did say he's probably wait until August.
Remember, kids...don't ever let facts get in the way of your argument.
by MichaelProcton on Jul 1, 2009 11:43 PM EDT up reply actions
Cole sounds a lot better than he did on 850 The Buzz a few days ago. Awake and excited about being with the Canes. (and a little richer.)
Let's go Canes!
Hakkaa Paalle!
He got overpaid.
Why wouldn’t he?
Remember, kids...don't ever let facts get in the way of your argument.
by MichaelProcton on Jul 1, 2009 11:45 PM EDT up reply actions
I think the action will start to die down now a little. I don’t think much will come out of the Canes FO, but I could be wrong.
Member of Canes Country and the Cat Scratch Reader
in any event, I have a tennis match in this heat. If I survive, I will be back
later, all you hipsters
GM of CanesCountry.com
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