Did Kris Russell overplay his hand in free agency?

[sureLoss]

http://www.csnne.com/Boston-Bruins-k...ell-NHL-rumors

There were some reports on Friday that the 5-foot-10, 170-pound Russell had agreed to a contract with the Maple Leafs, but those reports turned out to be premature. One source told CSNNE.com that Russell’s camp turned down a four-year, $17 million plus offer from Toronto, and was looking for something richer than that in the secondary D-men market.

The Leafs went in another direction by signing Roman Polak to a short term, smaller money deal, so Russell is still left unsigned on the open market. Russell may have envisioned a contract offer in the neighborhood of a six-year, $30 million deal with D-men at a premium, but that kind of offer isn't in the cards for the nine year NHL veteran.

This feels like the Cody Franson situation last year, went for the big contract, signed for considerably less.

[JJ1532]

Say what you like about Russell's quality, but I've always thought he seemed like a decent honest bloke. Disappointed he seemed to get greedy and rejected the Leafs offer. I know he probably saw what other dmen signed and wanted something similar, but if a deal like that isn't on the table, seems silly to just sit and wait, just expecting a huge offer to drop in your lap.

Be very interesting to see where he ends up now.

[The Original FFIV]

Did he overplay his hand? Will only know the answer after what we see he signs for. If he gets more than the Toronto offer, he played it smart. If he ends up signing for less than $4.25m aav and less than 4 yr term, safe to say he did overplay his hand. However it could be he didn't want to play for the leafs which is why he didn't sign there. Could have a deal in principle with a team that needs to clear space as well.

[Cantrader]

Reports said he even turned down Vancouver when free agency first started

[sureLoss]

According to Kypreos, he was asking for 6 years x $5 million on July 1st.

One of the teams (Leafs) reportedly very interested in him gave him their best offer which was for a little above 50% of the total he was asking for before moving on to a stopgap.

[Cantrader]

I think the longer this drags on the less amount and term he will get

[locsofblu]

I wasn't a big Kris Russell fan. He's a great 5/6 or an average 3/4 imho. I wouldn't give him more than 3x4 mil aav.

[CaptainCrunch]

Edmonton will get desperate and throw cash and term at him.

[GirlySports]

Originally Posted by Cantrader

I think the longer this drags on the less amount and term he will get

i wish more teams slowed down and let players sit a few days. the money spent on Friday with a flat cap was crazy

[Erick Estrada]

6x5 is ridiculous. Since when did Chris Russell become a bonafide top pairing defenseman? Either he's getting really bad advise from his agent or he really overvalues his abilities. Leading the league in blocked shots does not make you a top defenseman.

[JonDuke]

^ Sigh...
Kris

[Roof-Daddy]

That's going to sting if he can't get $17 million now.

[Samonadreau]

I figured as soon as one of Russell or Demers was signed the other would get scooped up for slightly less... that Toronto offer sounds about right for a best case scenario for Kris if you ask me at this point.

[Vinny01]

This is really not that shocking. Look at the money Hamhuis got and that is what Russell is worth. I wonder if he can't find work late into the summer and the Flamesmcan dump Wideman if they would bring him back for 1-3 years at $3.5per?

[burn_this_city]

This is the guys listening to Glencross' advice to go for the payday when you can. Doesn't always work out if no one wants to overpay you.

[memphusk]

Originally Posted by Vinny01

This is really not that shocking. Look at the money Hamhuis got and that is what Russell is worth. I wonder if he can't find work late into the summer and the Flamesmcan dump Wideman if they would bring him back for 1-3 years at $3.5per?

Hopefully not. That ship has sailed.

[Samonadreau]

Originally Posted by Vinny01

This is really not that shocking. Look at the money Hamhuis got and that is what Russell is worth. I wonder if he can't find work late into the summer and the Flamesmcan dump Wideman if they would bring him back for 1-3 years at $3.5per?

Don't see it. Gulutzan stressed that shot blocking was the last line of defense not the first. It's Kris' only line of defense it seems sometimes.

[The Original FFIV]

From Andy Strickland who probably knows Russell from STL days

Kris Russell has options to sign now, he and agent being smart taking time to make the right decision. Some teams might need to create space

[The Original FFIV]

Originally Posted by Erick Estrada

6x5 is ridiculous. Since when did Chris Russell become a bonafide top pairing defenseman? Either he's getting really bad advise from his agent or he really overvalues his abilities. Leading the league in blocked shots does not make you a top defenseman.

If Petry is getting 5.5 not a stretch someone will pay Russell same given supply and demand.

[sureLoss]

Waiting on teams needing to create space to sign an UFA is pretty much bad news for a free agent.

Means their options are limited with teams that do have the space and are at the mercy of waiting for another team to take a cap dump.

Not a good sign at all.