Quote:
Originally Posted by kipperfan
You clearly dont understand the pull family has, the vast majority of women and childern want to be warm and close to family attractions - Winnipeg will, in turn, be one of the league's worst options for the aforementioned things.
If you think the "city means very little", I think you're dead wrong.
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I think you're also underestimating the impact that a short career span and earning window has on the mindset of a player considering their options.
While an NHL player may make a lot more money than most human beings, they still face tough decisions around family security, etc... Afterall, Patrick Ewing was concerned in the late 90's about his ability to put his kids through college and he made more money in 1 day than I probably make in a year!
Each has their own set of needs / wants. The majority of them will be looking for a situation that is best for their career. Those options include pay, term, role on the team, etc... For the majority, location may come into play if the other factors line up for them.
Just look at Glencross as an example. The last contract he signed was more about getting a opportunity to establish himself as a key 2nd line forward. Some teams couldn't/wouldn't offer that. The Flames did and they signed him. It was probably a bonus that he ended up close to home. Now (according to what he says publicly) he's looking for term and a decent contract that will provide his family with stability for when his playing days are done and will go to the team that can offer that combination.
Tanguay is another example. He'll probably take a discount to play in Calgary. Playing in a nice warm climate like Tampa didn't work form him and almost killed his career. He responds in a certain environment and Calgary can offer that, despite the possibility that Calgary may never see summer this year.
You also have to figure that each FA (aside from some of the big ticket guys) might only get interest from 3 or 4 different teams and all may be able to offer something different. It's not like these guys get offers from all 30 teams.