Back in August, I'd put forward the idea of the Senators making an RFA offer sheet to Robert Thomas, because of the vulnerable situation the Blues put themselves in by making signings/trades to logjam the top-6 forward roster, giving contracts to everyone else, trying to lowball Thomas in RFA negotiations, and not resolving the Tarasenko issue. Now it sounds like Arizona may have taken notice of the situation, and there are rumors of them attempting an RFA offer sheet. My original suggestion was for the Senators to try a $4.1M/yr offer in order to limit the compensation to just a 2nd round pick (of which the Coyotes have 5 next year), but the Coyotes could easily go all "Kotkaniemi-style", and roll the dice on a bigger RFA offer sheet into the $5M+ range in exchange for a 1st/3rd.

It sounds like a steep price, however ~30% of 1st round picks don't really become anything all that impressive, and many take at least 3 years to have any significant NHL impact at all. Thomas had a bad year, but has already proven that in a better situation he can produce. So if you're offering him a chance at 4-5min/gp more ice time plus regular PP exposure, you can reasonably expect a jump in performance. Plus, they could still trade Thomas in a couple of years before he gets to UFA status, and potentially get back even more than they gave up, if his stock rises as a result of the playing time opportunity. So I'm very curious to see how this develops, and how the Blues respond... because they have to do so carefully. You may not want to get pushed around by another GM, but being manipulated into rushing a Tarasenko trade at the wrong time for cap reasons could cost them a lot more than Thomas or the picks they might get in compensation for the RFA offer sheet.

Zack Smith retires after 11 year NHL career at 33 yo.

Back in August, I'd put forward the idea of the Senators making an RFA offer sheet to Robert Thomas, because of the vulnerable situation the Blues put themselves in by making signings/trades to logjam the top-6 forward roster, giving contracts to everyone else, trying to lowball Thomas in RFA negotiations, and not resolving the Tarasenko issue. Now it sounds like Arizona may have taken notice of the situation, and there are rumors of them attempting an RFA offer sheet. My original suggestion was for the Senators to try a $4.1M/yr offer in order to limit the compensation to just a 2nd round pick (of which the Coyotes have 5 next year), but the Coyotes could easily go all "Kotkaniemi-style", and roll the dice on a bigger RFA offer sheet into the $5M+ range in exchange for a 1st/3rd.

It sounds like a steep price, however ~30% of 1st round picks don't really become anything all that impressive, and many take at least 3 years to have any significant NHL impact at all. Thomas had a bad year, but has already proven that in a better situation he can produce. So if you're offering him a chance at 4-5min/gp more ice time plus regular PP exposure, you can reasonably expect a jump in performance. Plus, they could still trade Thomas in a couple of years before he gets to UFA status, and potentially get back even more than they gave up, if his stock rises as a result of the playing time opportunity. So I'm very curious to see how this develops, and how the Blues respond... because they have to do so carefully. You may not want to get pushed around by another GM, but being manipulated into rushing a Tarasenko trade at the wrong time for cap reasons could cost them a lot more than Thomas or the picks they might get in compensation for the RFA offer sheet.
- khawk

Considering that Arizona looks to be as bad as Buffalo this season, in what is considered to be an extremely good draft year, I would be shocked if they would tender an offer sheet that would result in losing their first round draft pick.

Tkachuk won't sign in Ottawa unless Melnyck agrees to pay most of the contract with bonuses. The Canadian tax system will take roughly 53% of his salary. He would want a structure like Matthews where he saves 13-15 mil. in taxes on 5 year contract.
- granpa

It does not matter if it is salary or bonuses for tax purposes, the money paid out is still taxable income. An accountant can general average the income and make wise investments to achieve some tax deferral but at some point taxes will be paid.

Escrow does far more damage than the tax differential. The three teams in New York and the three teams in California are very similar to the tax load of the two Ontario based teams. The reason why the players in the last couple of years have been back loading contracts is to try and avoid the escrow coming because of the Covid impact on revenues.

The main reason why a player wants an 8 year deals back end loaded is to avoid the heavy escrow over the next two to three years. Three year deals are killers because the escrow will be viscous, especially this year and next. Not sure of this but the players that signed front end bonus loaded deals in the last two years have been hit especially hard by Escrow.

https://www.theglobeandma...he-us-side-of-the-border/

Considering that Arizona looks to be as bad as Buffalo this season, in what is considered to be an extremely good draft year, I would be shocked if they would tender an offer sheet that would result in losing their first round draft pick.
- SensFan25

I agree. Arizona and Buffalo should go head to head in the battle for the best odds in the draft lottery.

Considering that Arizona looks to be as bad as Buffalo this season, in what is considered to be an extremely good draft year, I would be shocked if they would tender an offer sheet that would result in losing their first round draft pick.
- SensFan25

Valid point... my point regarding the 1st round pick was more of a general one, which makes me wonder why more teams don't take the risk with a late 1st round pick on acquiring a player who's at least proven they're NHL-worthy for 3years, with additional potential upside. Like, if I'm the Colorado Avalanche with a near-lock for a #1/2 place division finish but with Kadri/Burakovsky on their way out as UFA next year, why not take a run at a guy like Thomas - who not only makes you better this year, but helps provide solid depth for the following 3yrs at minimum?

Matthew Tkachuk on brother Brady's contract talks: 'They're not too close'
https://www.sportsnet.ca/...t-talks-theyre-not-close/

If he was truly offered 8x8 and he did not take it then you have to wonder if he truly wants to play in ot.

That’s prob a few more bucks than he is worth considering two other 8 year terms a couple of great players just got.

Define “close”, ek jr.

If BT has refused an 8x$8M he is an ass. Intangibles and 50-60 points a year are not worth a penny over $8M. Hell, I am not sure the team should spend $8M on him at this point.

Sign him to a bridge deal and trade him ASAP. Sell high, get a good return and help him pack his bags.

If BT has refused an 8x$8M he is an ass. Intangibles and 50-60 points a year are not worth a penny over $8M. Hell, I am not sure the team should spend $8M on him at this point.

Sign him to a bridge deal and trade him ASAP. Sell high, get a good return and help him pack his bags.
- HoweHatrick

When I read some of these comments it makes me blind. I've always hated accountants and paper work but I don't discount their relevance or their importance.

From a simple fan's point of view you are at very best a second line LW averaging 60 -70 points a year. You're a better version of Chris Neil. The fans loved him but he wasn't worth 10 percent of the cap nor are you.

I obviously have no idea what's going on but if this team has offered you 8x8 and you are holding out I don't care what the accountants are saying you get a two or three deal at 5mil and we move your ass out of town first good trade we get.

Your dad can visit you in Sweden If you don't like it.

You're a great agitator and I love how you get under the skin of your opponents but you really don't want to be doing that with your fans. On the other hand I know Melnyk is an bumhole so If that's the problem then it's on him and I apologise.

It does not matter if it is salary or bonuses for tax purposes, the money paid out is still taxable income. An accountant can general average the income and make wise investments to achieve some tax deferral but at some point taxes will be paid.

Escrow does far more damage than the tax differential. The three teams in New York and the three teams in California are very similar to the tax load of the two Ontario based teams. The reason why the players in the last couple of years have been back loading contracts is to try and avoid the escrow coming because of the Covid impact on revenues.

The main reason why a player wants an 8 year deals back end loaded is to avoid the heavy escrow over the next two to three years. Three year deals are killers because the escrow will be viscous, especially this year and next. Not sure of this but the players that signed front end bonus loaded deals in the last two years have been hit especially hard by Escrow.

https://www.theglobeandma...he-us-side-of-the-border/
- spatso

Bonuses are taxed different for Americans playing in Canada. So, it certainly does make a lot of difference how he’s paid.

It does not matter if it is salary or bonuses for tax purposes, the money paid out is still taxable income. An accountant can general average the income and make wise investments to achieve some tax deferral but at some point taxes will be paid.

Escrow does far more damage than the tax differential. The three teams in New York and the three teams in California are very similar to the tax load of the two Ontario based teams. The reason why the players in the last couple of years have been back loading contracts is to try and avoid the escrow coming because of the Covid impact on revenues.

The main reason why a player wants an 8 year deals back end loaded is to avoid the heavy escrow over the next two to three years. Three year deals are killers because the escrow will be viscous, especially this year and next. Not sure of this but the players that signed front end bonus loaded deals in the last two years have been hit especially hard by Escrow.

https://www.theglobeandma...he-us-side-of-the-border/
- spatso

Very interesting comment.

It does not matter if it is salary or bonuses for tax purposes, the money paid out is still taxable income. An accountant can general average the income and make wise investments to achieve some tax deferral but at some point taxes will be paid.

Escrow does far more damage than the tax differential. The three teams in New York and the three teams in California are very similar to the tax load of the two Ontario based teams. The reason why the players in the last couple of years have been back loading contracts is to try and avoid the escrow coming because of the Covid impact on revenues.

The main reason why a player wants an 8 year deals back end loaded is to avoid the heavy escrow over the next two to three years. Three year deals are killers because the escrow will be viscous, especially this year and next. Not sure of this but the players that signed front end bonus loaded deals in the last two years have been hit especially hard by Escrow.

https://www.theglobeandma...he-us-side-of-the-border/
- spatso

I'm not an accountant but I read a while back about the signing bonuses advantage for U.S. residents playing in Canada. So here goes......During a regular NHL season a player resides approximately 73% of the year in the city they play in so 73% of their salary is taxed in either Canada or USA. But when a U.S. resident athlete receives a signing bonus to play in the NHL for a Canadian team, a special quirk of the Canada-U.S. income tax treaty kicks in.

The treaty provides that a signing bonus paid by a Canadian NHL team to a U.S.-resident player would be taxable in Canada (73% of bonus) – but that tax may not exceed 15% of the gross amount of the payment.

P.S. I believe that John Tavares maintains a residence in New York to take advantage of the tax savings on bonuses.

I'm not an accountant but I read a while back about the signing bonuses advantage for U.S. residents playing in Canada. So here goes......During a regular NHL season a player resides approximately 73% of the year in the city they play in so 73% of their salary is taxed in either Canada or USA. But when a U.S. resident athlete receives a signing bonus to play in the NHL for a Canadian team, a special quirk of the Canada-U.S. income tax treaty kicks in.

The treaty provides that a signing bonus paid by a Canadian NHL team to a U.S.-resident player would be taxable in Canada (73% of bonus) – but that tax may not exceed 15% of the gross amount of the payment.

P.S. I believe that John Tavares maintains a residence in New York to take advantage of the tax savings on bonuses.
- granpa

There are some differences that accountants can exploit in different jurisdictions. But, other than for those states that do not have state personal income tax, the hit is pretty close. This weeks headline on the business channel (CNBC) gives you a pretty good idea of how volatile the situation is from one tax year to the next.

"Top earning New Yorkers could face 61.2% combined tax rate under House plan, Californians may face 59% rate"

Hey Kevin. What to make of Matthew T’s comments to Friedman??! Beyond his confirming that he is an obnoxious Richard, is this just public positioning or is the Brady contract really stalled? $8x8 is pretty fair imho. Big brother Matthew had done the impossible. He has made me feel bad for PD. If the tone of MT’s comments are what is going on in the negotiations, it would be tempting to tell the whole family to take a hike.

Hey Kevin. What to make of Matthew T’s comments to Friedman??! Beyond his confirming that he is an obnoxious Richard, is this just public positioning or is the Brady contract really stalled? $8x8 is pretty fair imho. Big brother Matthew had done the impossible. He has made me feel bad for PD. If the tone of MT’s comments are what is going on in the negotiations, it would be tempting to tell the whole family to take a hike.
- Helm

It sounds like he is very hesitant to sign a longer term deal, and its not about the money.

Its not that he doens't want to be in Ottawa; if in five years Ottawa has turned the corner and is a competitive team, I think he he'd be fine with re-signing.

Hey Kevin. What to make of Matthew T’s comments to Friedman??! Beyond his confirming that he is an obnoxious Richard, is this just public positioning or is the Brady contract really stalled? $8x8 is pretty fair imho. Big brother Matthew had done the impossible. He has made me feel bad for PD. If the tone of MT’s comments are what is going on in the negotiations, it would be tempting to tell the whole family to take a hike.
- Helm

I think Matthew is about to get his wings clipped. No doubt Brady's agent is furious with his speaking about stuff that had been really well managed.

My guess is this does not have any negative impact on negotiations and it will unfold to coincide with the opening of training camp.

I still believe that a 3 year deal at $7m best serves the Sens interest.

Hey Kevin. What to make of Matthew T’s comments to Friedman??! Beyond his confirming that he is an obnoxious Richard, is this just public positioning or is the Brady contract really stalled? $8x8 is pretty fair imho. Big brother Matthew had done the impossible. He has made me feel bad for PD. If the tone of MT’s comments are what is going on in the negotiations, it would be tempting to tell the whole family to take a hike.
- Helm

How are those comments not direct tampering though? He is saying the Tkachuks (one employed in STL, the other employed in CGY) are all involved in the negotiation and the mafia-style ‘the family are not impressed, need to show BT his proper respect’ comments are implying a holdout threat scenario. This is ridiculous and violates the CBA.

How are those comments not direct tampering though? He is saying the Tkachuks (one employed in STL, the other employed in CGY) are all involved in the negotiation and the mafia-style ‘the family are not impressed, need to show BT his proper respect’ comments are implying a holdout threat scenario. This is ridiculous and violates the CBA.
- ahjnkn

I'm not sure. Are there any rules regarding employees of other teams, in this case St Louis and Calgary, involving themselves in the contact negotiations of a third team, in this case, Ottawa?

M tkachuks interview says it all about this obnoxious family.

Theres 1 spittin chiclets video with them and old man keith really comes off as a jerk. Kept pushing the mic in front of brady telling him to speak up. And at 1 point is telling mathew your a tkachuk you dont need to apologize for anything.
There is other video of all them at 1 point or time being jerky.

Im at the point if their perceived royalty is effecting negotiations. Sign him up for 3 . And trade the tkachuk asap.

If only we had some camp insights or dialogue other than the one contract issue we are stuck on. The efforts and successes of those that showed up mean waaaaay more than those that don't.
Enough oxygen to the Brady contract fire. He's not Crosby, McDavid or McKinnon. He won't reach the potential of many others on this squad. Time to move on

M tkachuks interview says it all about this obnoxious family.

Theres 1 spittin chiclets video with them and old man keith really comes off as a jerk. Kept pushing the mic in front of brady telling him to speak up. And at 1 point is telling mathew your a tkachuk you dont need to apologize for anything.
There is other video of all them at 1 point or time being jerky.

Im at the point if their perceived royalty is effecting negotiations. Sign him up for 3 . And trade the tkachuk asap.
- spazzbot

I like Brady and I can't see him as being the problem but if his behaviour is excessively determined by his family who want him to be more cutthroat in these negotiations well I respect a close family and wish them all the best but...

Drysdale and the Ducks unconditional first round pick in 2022.
Or Seider and Detroit's unconditional first round pick in 2022. Timmy would like that a lot.

I like Brady and I can't see him as being the problem but if his behaviour is excessively determined by his family who want him to be more cutthroat in these negotiations well I respect a close family and wish them all the best but...

Drysdale and the Ducks unconditional first round pick in 2022.
Or Seider and Detroit's unconditional first round pick in 2022. Timmy would like that a lot.
- Whatisavailable

Whoa! All the talk came from someone other than the agent.

Some damage was done. No doubt the agent is furious.

Give them 24 hours to see if they can get this mess back into the bottle.

My preference was for the Sens to name Chabot captain. However over the last month or so I have warmed up to the idea of naming Tkachuk. Hope this has not blown up in their face.

Logan Brown signs one year deal.