Quote:
Originally Posted by GullFoss
Sutter was able to sign UFAs, and retain UFAs, but I think that was by largely by design. He put a lot of emphasis on trading for and signing guys who he already know could both (1) play Sutter hockey and (2) wanted to play Sutter hockey. And that made players much easier to extend, many with discounts.
The team under Sutter had an identity, it had success playing that identity, and it attracted players who identified with that style of hockey. It helped immensely that the core of the franchise - Iginla, Regher, Dion, etc. - all played that style of hockey.
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He didn’t really sign or extend very many good UFA players at discounts. Iggy got a sweet 3 and then 5 year deal. Dion got a big salary at the time - in 2008 he made more than any current Dman (and next year Weegar makes 250K more). Jaybo made more than Weegar will make next year. In 08-09 Kipper was the 5th highest salary in the league.