All Phillips has to look at is Meloche. He signed for 950K in Calgary. Instead the Flames called-up Gilbert (762.5k), and DeSimone (762.5k). Meloche was younger, more experienced and tougher (arguably - he was known for being a good fighter too).
Unless Phillips' agent is an idiot, I would assume that deal would be an NHL-minimum salary + a much higher AHL salary. Maybe there is a team or two that really believes that Phillips is an NHL'er and will commit more money (and possibly term), but it would surprise me. I am not as high on Phillips as most people here, however. I do think it would be in his best interest to take an NHL minimum salary and just reduce the obstacle of him getting NHL playing time.
Edit: What Phillips should JUMP for is a team that is willing to basically guarantee him NHL playing time on top of his minimum deal. If I am Phillips, that's the #1 priority.
|