Give Weber a 1 year offer sheet of 10 million, knowing it will be matched......just give him a taste of the piles of cash that we're willing to throw at him......
- aosplayo

we aren't the only city willing to throw it at him though.

Remember, it is expected the new CBA will place limits on contract term. So, $98m for 13 years will be available this year, probably not available next year.
- spatso

This is an assumption at this point. I would expect that Fehr the Fuhrer would mount a hard challenge to this, since the net result drives up not only that player's salary but all similar players at that position.

Not even sure there would be consensus among the owners, as that is sometimes the only way to get a player. Reference the comments out of minnesota after Suter/Parisi were signed.

Edit: Sorry, hadn't gotten to Bill's comments on teh the previous page, but agree with his point.

Nobody will do that, it's not worth the risk of losing 4 1st round picks.
- ob18

But they'll "match any offer" I thought? I understand theres a gamesmanship to the whole thing, but that hasn't gotten us any cups!

we aren't the only city willing to throw it at him though.
- JoeRussomanno

I know, you're right. I have a feeling that he will go to UFA and oddly enough Bryzgalov will play the largest role in whether he wants to come here. Money being equal, which it could be given other teams will have it, Bryz could be our biggest asset or liability in terms of luring him here, just a thought that I know others have expressed

I know, you're right. I have a feeling that he will go to UFA and oddly enough Bryzgalov will play the largest role in whether he wants to come here. Money being equal, which it could be given other teams will have it, Bryz could be our biggest asset or liability in terms of luring him here, just a thought that I know others have expressed
- aosplayo

Can you give me anything credible which has stated that Bryzgalov would deter players from coming here?

The problem is that the Flyers don't have decent enough prospects in the farm system to replace whatever they would give Nashville. That was the whole problem with the Lindros trade. Without a replenishment pipeline, you have to fill out the team through FA. And if that didn't work out for the Flyers in a non-cap era, I really don't believe it would work now.

I'm reading speculation on the new CBA. I've read about possible amnesty, term limits. We know that lowering the players share is certainly going to be on the table. My question is what are the players going to get? They aren't giving up anything without something in return. So my guess is that all of that isn't going to happen. The League will have to pick what it wants the most, and my guess will be lowering the players share. But the NHL should start with their own GM's who are bidding 100M contract offers to players who shouldn't be getting anywhere near that amount of money.

Can you give me anything credible which has stated that Bryzgalov would deter players from coming here?
- JoeRussomanno

Not sure what you mean by credible? Im talking about his play solely, not all that rumored stuff about him as a teammate in Phoenix. If he has a good year that'd likely be more appealing than if he struggles no? I would imagine that the guy Webers protecting would factor into the equation along with money,location etc and since theyre tied to Bryz for a good amount of years, Id think that would be taken into consideration.

Bryz could have a stellar year, which I think he will, and that will benefit them in bringing in people. If he struggles, I think it could deter players, I dont see how that isn't logical thinking Joe.

I'm reading speculation on the new CBA. I've read about possible amnesty, term limits. We know that lowering the players share is certainly going to be on the table. My question is what are the players going to get? They aren't giving up anything without something in return. So my guess is that all of that isn't going to happen. The League will have to pick what it wants the most, and my guess will be lowering the players share. But the NHL should start with their own GM's who are bidding 100M contract offers to players who shouldn't be getting anywhere near that amount of money.
- MJL

Definitely agree. But unions will always go to that tried and true staple argument - collusion. The owners absolutely should collude on this point...they need to save themselves from themselves. Which is why I think the union fights it, and if some in the ownership group really do want that flexibility, their position could weaken and they ultimately back down.

Obviously we're completely speculating.

I'm reading speculation on the new CBA. I've read about possible amnesty, term limits. We know that lowering the players share is certainly going to be on the table. My question is what are the players going to get? They aren't giving up anything without something in return. So my guess is that all of that isn't going to happen. The League will have to pick what it wants the most, and my guess will be lowering the players share. But the NHL should start with their own GM's who are bidding 100M contract offers to players who shouldn't be getting anywhere near that amount of money.
- MJL

I try not to read such stuff unless it's really good speculator. However I would say if anything they just re-up what was already going on. IF the players share is hurting so much, they can just raise ticket prices which they do anyway. Imo a lot of this speculating is hot air. You're right if the owners have all these demands on the table then the players union, like a good union should, will have as many demands if not more.

Can you give me anything credible which has stated that Bryzgalov would deter players from coming here?
- JoeRussomanno

I don't know that you'd have find something in writing about this from a current teammate. But consider a) statements out of Phoenix b) the "talk" that G and others had with Bryz about work ethic, handling of the media, priorities, etc. Players do talk, hear things, etc. So it is highly possible that some players would question whether he can be the backstop of a championship team.

Only way to fix it is to buckle down and have a great season with little distractions.

I try not to read such stuff unless it's really good speculator. However I would say if anything they just re-up what was already going on. IF the players share is hurting so much, they can just raise ticket prices which they do anyway. Imo a lot of this speculating is hot air. You're right if the owners have all these demands on the table then the players union, like a good union should, will have as many demands if not more.
- JoeRussomanno

Raising ticket prices doesn't help the Players share issue. All that means is that both get more money, and fans pay the price.

Not sure what you mean by credible? Im talking about his play solely, not all that rumored stuff about him as a teammate in Phoenix. If he has a good year that'd likely be more appealing than if he struggles no? I would imagine that the guy Webers protecting would factor into the equation along with money,location etc and since theyre tied to Bryz for a good amount of years, Id think that would be taken into consideration.

Bryz could have a stellar year, which I think he will, and that will benefit them in bringing in people. If he struggles, I think it could deter players, I dont see how that isn't logical thinking Joe.
- aosplayo

Every goalie struggles at some point, so no it's not that logical. Bryzgalov finished the year here with decent numbers and was far from the reason we lost. So let's not cry about the house burning down until it's actually on fire shall we. On so-so year from a goalie who has managed to get over 30 wins 3 years in a row, should not be something that deters players from signing with teams. If so let them walk as I'd rather not have them.

I don't know that you'd have find something in writing about this from a current teammate. But consider a) statements out of Phoenix b) the "talk" that G and others had with Bryz about work ethic, handling of the media, priorities, etc. Players do talk, hear things, etc. So it is highly possible that some players would question whether he can be the backstop of a championship team.

Only way to fix it is to buckle down and have a great season with little distractions.
- TheGreat28

where did players have a talk with Bryz about his work ethic? Only thing I know of is Briere saying they had a talk with him about how to handle the media.

Raising ticket prices doesn't help the Players share issue. All that means is that both get more money, and fans pay the price.
- MJL

IF they're getting more money how doesn't that affect the share issue?

I try not to read such stuff unless it's really good speculator. However I would say if anything they just re-up what was already going on. IF the players share is hurting so much, they can just raise ticket prices which they do anyway. Imo a lot of this speculating is hot air. You're right if the owners have all these demands on the table then the players union, like a good union should, will have as many demands if not more.
- JoeRussomanno

The problem is other leagues rolling back the players cut. If those leagues, which are much more "profitable" and perceived to be more popular, i.e. higher profile/revenue from TV, successfully rolled back salaries to ensure team and league stability, how can the NHL NOT do it.

Raising ticket prices doesn't help the Players share issue. All that means is that both get more money, and fans pay the price.
- MJL

Yup, revenue increases mean salary cap increases, salary cap increases mean salary offer increases. The share stays the same and in all, it'd mean I can go to fewer games

The problem is other leagues rolling back the players cut. If those leagues, which are much more "profitable" and perceived to be more popular, i.e. higher profile/revenue from TV, successfully rolled back salaries to ensure team and league stability, how can the NHL NOT do it.
- TheGreat28

are they more profitable? What leagues are these?

Every goalie struggles at some point, so no it's not that logical. Bryzgalov finished the year here with decent numbers and was far from the reason we lost. So let's not cry about the house burning down until it's actually on fire shall we. On so-so year from a goalie who has managed to get over 30 wins 3 years in a row, should not be something that deters players from signing with teams. If so let them walk as I'd rather not have them.
- JoeRussomanno

I don't believe thats what my statement was. I was merely saying that goalie success could be tied into a players determination to go to a team, and I even said it was part of many pieces of an equation, and I also said that I believe that Bryz will have a good year and be an asset in drawing players in But it could also be said that the goalie play could deter players. That is way different than saying "We're not gettin Weber because of Bryz" Which is what it seems you think Im saying, which Im not

Yup, revenue increases mean salary cap increases, salary cap increases mean salary offer increases. And in all, it'd mean I can go to fewer games
- BulliesPhan87

I hate standing in line to go to the bathroom and paying 8 bucks for a beer I can miss games, It's not bothering me that much.

IF they're getting more money how doesn't that affect the share issue?
- JoeRussomanno

If say the players get 57% of league income, and you raise ticket prices. League income will be increased. Both the teams and the players will get more money. But the players will still be getting 57%. While the fans pay more for tickets.

I hate standing in line to go to the bathroom and paying 8 bucks for a beer I can miss games, It's not bothering me that much.
- JoeRussomanno

I like getting out to the game when I can afford it (or when others afford me the chance), there's nothing like seeing a hockey game in person. As for the beer, they're much cheaper out of the trunk of my car

Yup, revenue increases mean salary cap increases, salary cap increases mean salary offer increases. The share stays the same and in all, it'd mean I can go to fewer games
- BulliesPhan87

Exactly.

I don't believe thats what my statement was. I was merely saying that goalie success could be tied into a players determination to go to a team, and I even said it was part of many pieces of an equation, and I also said that I believe that Bryz will have a good year and be an asset in drawing players in But it could also be said that the goalie play could deter players. That is way different than saying "We're not gettin Weber because of Bryz" Which is what it seems you think Im saying, which Im not
- aosplayo

Sometimes I think you guys just like drama. I'm saying this but not really saying that, but it could be that when it's really this.

where did players have a talk with Bryz about his work ethic? Only thing I know of is Briere saying they had a talk with him about how to handle the media.
- JoeRussomanno

Multiple players, on camera, alluded to the fact that the leadership committee talked to Bryz about various topics, which of course they did not want to get into. Briere, G and Timmo are players I watched interviewed.

Subsequently, during the March run multiple players made statements made about how well he was playing, how his focus was better, working harder in practice, etc. in response to reporters comments about Bryz seemingly responding to the talks with teammates. Obviously you can put 2 and 2 together to figure out what was discussed in the meetings.