Quote:
Originally Posted by ricardodw
Bogosian and Wheeler signed 2 year deals for a total of 5M that lead them to their current contracts.
You are correct there is no reason to extend RHN at this time.
If he has as good a season as Subban had 2011-12 he is basically forced to sign the same contract as Subban .
Subban had a fantastic year in 2011-12 36 points in 81 games playing 24 minutes a game.
The Canadians gave him a choice: play for them for the next 2 years at 5.7 total or sit the year out or play in the KHL. and then come back and play for the next 2 years at 2.5/yr.
That is what RHN would have if he suddenly develops into Giroux/Crosby and scores 30 goals and 80 pts this year.
The only leverage a player has coming off his ELC is if some team makes him an offer sheet...
If no one made Subban an offer sheet before last season when he was holding out..... nobody is going to mortgage their franchise for RNH.
PS. The whole league has told MacTavish/Lowe this as no one would trade a top flight rugged forward or top 2 pairing D-man for anything that MacTavish had to offer. MacTavish started out with the goal that he was going to make the Oilers more competitive and that he was willing to do some major trades and he came up empty. It is just mind boggling that the Oilers are doubling down on the team and players that they have been league doormats with.
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You are correct about Wheeler and Bogosian's last contracts, so for that I apologize.
That out of the way I still think you're argument isn't good. There is a gamble involved which has been acknowledged by myself and others. But it also can work out very well. And saving money is still saving money, especially if it sets up other contracts to be lower (not unlike what Detroit did with Lidstrom), like Yakupov IF he proves to be a top player.
Using PK's situation isn't a great argument either as that may come back to bite the Habs. Sure, they held him over a barrel but now that he's got a Norris under his belt and if he has a decent, good or great year he can hold them hostage instead. Particularly when the guys he beat will have cap hits of 7.2M and 7.5+M. Giving him a couple million more last year and this year may have saved Montreal a couple million for several years after that. I guess will have a better idea when PK re-ups.