Yesterday was an unusual day in a league that is well over 100 years old. It’s seen everything. I don’t recall a more active day of qualifying (or not qualifying) by NHL teams. The cap is the culprit, high-end players will get paid and the complementary players will get far less because of it. Arbitration eligible players got walked all day Monday. It was a stunning talent bleed from teams who normally guard their quality players closely. What does it mean for tomorrow and beyond?
THE ATHLETIC!
- New Lowetide: Edmonton Oilers targets early and late in NHL free agency
- New Lowetide: Oilers top-20 prospects, summer 2022
- DNB: First-round pick Reid Schaefer can bring ‘big-boy hockey’ to his hometown team
- Lowetide: Edmonton Oilers prospect pipeline needs a post-draft boost
- DNB: Oilers’ Duncan Keith to retire, opening up more possibilities for Ken Holland
- DNB: Oilers’ Zack Kassian trade clears crucial salary cap space, so what’s next?
- Lowetide: 5 AHL players who can help the Oilers next season
- DNB: Edmonton Oilers offseason what I think and what I know 1.0
- Lowetide: Remember Oilers’ biggest summer ever? It needs to happen again
- DNB: How Oilers’ draft pick Kelly Buchberger became the long shot who delivered
- Lowetide: Could the Oilers look to RFA’s to find solutions?
- DNB: What we’re hearing on Edmonton Oilers’ Puljujarvi, more
- Lowetide: Can Oilers’ Xavier Bourgault make the 2022-23 opening night roster?
- Lowetide: Oilers’ pivotal summer and what fans want to see from Ken Holland
- Lowetide: 10 free agents for Edmonton Oilers to target this summer
- Lowetide: What Oilers assets should Ken Holland trade this summer?
- DNB: Oilers commit to coach Jay Woodcroft
- Lowetide: Are Oilers prospects Philip Broberg, Dylan Holloway NHL-ready?
- DNB: What if Edmonton Oilers trade Jesse Puljujarvi? The case for and against
- Lowetide: Oilers pro scouts have to get it right in free agency this summer
- DNB: Edmonton Oilers offseason priorities: A 10-step plan for success
TRADING PULJUJARVI
Based on yesterday, I’d say the Oilers are going to need a ‘sign and trade’ with JP to get reasonable return. Teams are walking good players for fear of losing razor thin cap room. What a crazy summer. Here are the forwards who have been walked, their cap hit and numbers. I included Edmonton’s Kailer Yamamoto and Jesse Puljujari, who were qualified.
- Rem Pitlick 66 games, 15-22-37 ($917,831) (2.25)
- Danton Heinen 78 games, 18-15-33 ($1.1M) (2.01)
- Dylan Strome 69 games, 22-26-48 ($3.0M) (1.96)
- Ondrej Kase 50 games, 14-13-27 ($1.25M) (1.89)
- Sonny Milano 66 games, 14-20-34 ($1.7M) (1.72)
- Jesse Puljujarvi 65 games, 14-22-36 ($1.175M) (1.62)
- Brendan Lemieux 50 games, 8-5-13 ($1.55M) (1.49)
- Kailer Yamamoto 81 games, 20-21-41 ($1.175M) (1.48)
- Sam Steel 68 games, 6-14-20 ($874,125) (1.34)
- Dominik Kubalik 78 games, 15-17-32 ($3.7M) (1.23)
There are some interesting names there, I’m not sure any in this group (Oilers aside) is destined to land in Edmonton in the coming days. Given a choice, I would select Danton Heinen, who I have liked for a long time. Strome is the guy most will target is my guess, and Brendan Lemieux will find an NHL home for sure.
POSSIBLE 2022-23 OILERS ROSTER
I like this model, adding free agents Jack Campbell, Brett Kulak, Matt Marchment, Danton Heinen, less thrilled with the trade (Josh Anderson acquired, Jesse Puljujarvi leaving and it gives Montreal more cap space). I’d be more pleased with the roster if JP remained and Edmonton retained the $3 million.
LOWETIDE AND JAMIESON
10-2 today, TSN1260. Our guests include Glen Suitor at 11, Bruce Arthur at 1, maybes on Kai Locksley and James Duthie. If anything breaks, we’re on it! 10-1260 text, @Lowetide on twitter. Talk soon!
Scoring winger, check. Starting goalie, looks like a check. Defence, in progress – we have a clearer picture of remaining resources to compete with MTL for Kulak, other possible upgrades include possible rebalancing of 3rd – Barrie for a shutdown like Soucy, and either FA or trade for another 2/3 LD for depth. RFA’s look promising, should be able to keep the band together including the Bison King. A very good situation overall.
Still enough room, if judiciously done, to upgrade bottom of roster some also. All hail Ken.
What do we think of Nick Leddy? Is he still good? What’s he worth? Upgrade over Kulak at 2Ld?
I think he’s no longer a free agent after signing for a lot more $$
I know this will get downvoted but I feel really bad for the Flames.
Losing Johnny is brutal. I enjoyed a competitive battle of Alberta. I know they have cap space but who is available that can replace a 100 point player?
I agree, but somewhere Jay Feaster has a cartoon raincloud hovering above his head …put there by the hockey gods.
That’s just it, he’s not a 100 point player. Flames got lucky. I wish he took that contract they offered and Fuckchuck the same. Contract year says it all.
I completely agree with you. It is heartbreaking to lose an impact player.
Doug Weight was traded on my birthday. Everyone knew he was getting traded, EDM was small market at the time. Still stung a lot.
Flames aren’t going to tear it down. They’ll have money to make some nice ads in a tight market. Besides do you really think Calgary would trade their goalie to us? They’d send him elsewhere for less.
I know I know I know… but…
With gaudreau out, and Treviling likely considering trading Tkachuk if he doesn’t extend, will that make Markstrom available as well? Terrible playoff crash but otherwise elite season.
Tbh I’d prefer him at 6M versus Soup at 5M
You know he’s also 2 years older than Campbell?
For whatever reasons, signing Kane is great. I suspect he will make get a little pocket change from a negotiated settlement with San Jose in the coming weeks. Making him whole.
Love the Kane re-signing and the cap hit is excellent. Here’s what I love in particular:
Goals per 60 rank (minimum 1000 minutes TOI, all situations):
2019-2022: 40/428 amongst forwards
2019-2022: 18/143 amongst LW
2016-2018: 35/435 amongst forwards
2016-2018: 13/152 amongst LW
Consistently an elite, first line level forward. There are some famous names ahead of him, some of whom are better, more well rounded players. However, few can match Kane’s physicality.
I know some were pining for Giroux and maybe they are correct (also a great player), but I’m much more comfortable paying Kane for his age 31, 32, 33, and 34 seasons than Giroux’s 34, 35, 36, and 37 seasons.
This contract looks eminently reasonable by today’s standards; suspect by the standards of three years from now, it will look cheap once the cap finally rises.
Great piece of work, Mr. and Mr. Holland (and Keith).
Fantastic!
Just woke up to news of the Kane signing.
Ken Holland: We speak your name. Great job!
The goals Kane produces are great, but one of my very favourite thing about Kane is that if you come within arms reach of him during a scrum, you’re going to get punched in the face.
And if you didn’t like getting punched in the face, here’s another punch in the face for good luck.
Truculence. Grit. Sandpaper. Whatever you want to call it, I like it a lot better than previous players skating off to the bench while their teammates were being swarmed in a scrum.
Moar grit, when combined with sublime skill makes for a pretty great hockey player.
Huge news this morning. I like it for the next couple of years.
My boy said he seen Evander on a golf course earlier this year and said he was planning to stay in Edmonton for the summer. I didn’t believe it… Mostly cause local boys playing for the Oilers still go somewhere else during the summer. I hoped that was the gift that he was going to sign with us, but 5.125 other reasons to be excited
Presuming the Campbell signing happens and, while its not my ideal route on the tending, really, all the team needs is a 2LD and to sign the incumbent 3 RFAs and we are going to go, I think.
Reading through LT’s piece at The Athletic, and seeing the left side depth chart of Kane, Nuge, Hyman, Foegele, given Holloway looks to be NHL ready and McLeod is a legit middle 6 LW option (with Benson and Shore for back-filling), maybe a Foegele trade for some more cap and a bump elsewhere does make sense?
Sign the 3 RFAs and move Foegle plus for Connor Brown? The plus could be a 2nd rounder or a Samorukov – not sure what Ottawa is thinking but Brown is 1-year to UFA so the cost shouldn’t be peak.
That’s it OP, come over to the dark side.
Hopefully they can pick up a difference making 2LD. That will send them to the next level.
I’m fine with moving out Barrie and Foegele to get the rest of the roster filled out.
Yes. Though I believe Campbell, Kulak or similar ($2.75M), RFAs (3, 3, 1.2) would require Foegele or Barrie be traded.
The moves you mention, plus filling out the 23-man (without anyone out) would put the team about $2M over the cap.
So in a roller coaster of five days our lowly little Northern Alberta team managed to:
Scrape together $20 million in cap space by doing a few older guys a solid last year.
Managed to get Evander Kane to sign a value contract. $5.125 million is gonna be a low for the guys looking to pot 40.
Managed to drive Kyle Dubas into trading for the ghost of Matt Murray
And managed to scare off Gaudreau from resigning with the Flames…
And when they Flames fail to resign and FA of caliber its pure effing blacktop ahead as we put the boots to plan Doughty and welcome Eichel to the west with about five perfectly placed bitch slaps a year.
Last year was about making the playoffs and winning a round.
This year is the start of contending window.
Come on folks are we not entertained yet?
Are you not entertained???
Hot damn this is going to be so much fun!
Pride cometh before the fall, Kane is big but we ain’t there yet. With Kane we will need to move out one or two players, still need a 2LD, and the goalie ain’t finished till it’s signed. We’re a little past the 60% mark with some high difficulty tasks crossed off, things can still go off the rails.
Also, I think we all can get behind some phlems schadenfreude, stay classy though. That’s a message for all, me included.
You remind me of someone. Can’t quite place it.
Oh, wait, I know… #58 for the Calgary Flames: Buzz Kylington.
— Kane is the gift the keeps giving. Didn’t have to eat my hat on Smith or Campbell so I’ll eat it this time if we don’t read about the settlement for his grievance that makes him fairly “whole”
— You’d think everyone believes in Santa Easter Bunny. : no one leaves 10mm+ on table, for the sake of “winning”
There is a chance that, in his conversations with other teams, they realized that the $40MM-$50MM they were hoping for wasn’t close to reality?
— clearly no one was going to pay him 7×7 or he would signed that. Unless you really really believe in Santa. Easter Bunny AND Toothfairy. But that wasn’t my point : Fairly certain that the grievance settlement (or his belief of such) takes care of the gap between his market and what he signed for.
Waking up in Montreal to find Evander Kane burying the ghost of Prongers Past. THIS is a new day in Edmonton.
Contenders, with money to spare. When is October???
I love days when we have good news and phlegms have bad news.
The last few hours:
1) Gaudreau announces he won’t return to the flames (even though he’s been offered a max term contract at an AAV $2M higher than Drai’s)
2) Evander Kane re-signs in Edmonton for a value cap hit and a term that is a bit long but not egregious.
I’m worried aboyut the thin market for Dmen and the effect that is going to have on Kulak’s contract.
I have some trepidation as well but do think he re-signs and do think it’ll come in under $3MM for 4 years.
I think the Habs are the biggest comp but Holland is doing some great work including negotiations the past week.
After signing a goalie, getting Kulak done at a reasonable AAV is the next most important thing to get done. He’s not going to be a bargain though. Best that Holland can do, given the shalllow market for defensemen this summer and likely the next, is structure the contract in a way similar to Kane’s so that Kulak can be traded or bought out if needed in subsequent seasons.
Barrie stays at least until a contract extension with Bouchard is worked out. Need to get some cost certainty there.
McDavid and Draisaitl are causing below market Oiler value contracts and opposing markets into seasonal rebuilds.. So which Volcano is about to blow?
Brad Holland just earlier today was publicly flirting with Puljujarvi and his fancy stats.
Hyman/McD/Giroux
Kane/Drai/Yams
Perron/Nuge/JP
Holloway/Mcleod/Ryan
Benson lol
Nurse/Ceci
Chychrun/Bouch
Kulak/Barrie
Dog Fight
Campbell
Skinner
Oilers advance analytics has lead me into Narnia.
was trolling earlier with Manson Zadorov, as the earlier Kulak news had me greying my attitude.. Kulak signs tomorrow for under 3.
Evolving Wild
·
2h
Based on a cost per goal and contract comparison, Evander Kane’s contract is still about $5M above what his expected value will be next season. He projects as basically a replacement level player next year.
Definitely 😁👋👋
Kane being replacement level, and Kane having the 6th best gpg in the NHL after 68 games as an Oiler are not compatible.
I mean anything can happen in the future, but making a statement like that says more about the rigidity of the process that led them to say it, than it does about probability.
Evolving Wild trying to get attention. Reminds me of someone. lol
Didn’t they also project his salary to be over $7M?
Almost sounds like he chose to take less than what was out there. Likely the big deals were in places where he did not want to go. Say Arizona or Buffalo or Ottawa. Maybe Detroit.
He said a lot of right things in that paragraph.
And his signing ahead of the frenzy at that dollar figure can only help us tomorrow. Interest in Edmonton will be even bigger now. Who knows what deal falls in Holland’s lap? And I’m not saying one will, but we’ve haven’t had this potential to be a target as an org since the Gretzky days. (altho if Pronger had stayed…)
So #2LD
Options
Kulak if he signs as a UFA
Sanheim, trade, one year left, then UFA
Dillon, trade, two years left, then UFA
Soucy, trade, one year left, then UFA
Who else?
Nick Leddy UFA
Ben Chiarot UFA
Jakob Chychrun 3 years $4.6
Mackenzie Weegar 1 year $3.25
Nikita Zadorov UFA
Hard pass on Soupy
I got ta drop a few units on the Oil to win the Cup
Haha. Units.
HH is such a tool.
Imagine how much he loses if he bets like he posts.
I wonder if McDavids giving him $10m in a brown paper bag?
No, Kane is just respecting the Hyman cap for non-McDrai/Nurse players.
Only $4M in year 4 with no signing bonus and the NMC moved to a 16 team NTC.
If needed, the contract could be tradeable and it’s not “buyout proof”.
It’s a pretty nice piece of work by Holland imo.
No surprise but, as per Kevin W:
**Breaking News ** 🚨📰
I’m told @MapleLeafs G Jack Campbell is closing in a potential 5Yr X 5M deal with the @EdmontonOilers , situation remains fluid
Its not my ideal way forward but it could work out great, in particular in the short term. Could be a great combo with Skinner.
Soup and Stew
AND EVANDER KANE!
It’s my dream come true
Just be happy for me OP. 🙂
According to Leavins.
The deal is 4 years, with an AAV of$5.125m.
Year 1 – $750k base, $5.5m signing bonus
Year 2 – $1.5m base, $4.0 signing bonus
Year 3 – $2.75m base, $2.0m signing bonus
Year 4 – $4.0m base
It includes a No Move clause to February 28th, 2025. Then, until the completion of the contract, there will be a 16-team trade list submitted.
Evander Kane just did The City of Edmonton, The Edmonton Oilers, and Us a HUGE Favour!
GOD BLESS YOU EVANDER KANE!
Guaranteed Oiler for two and a half years. Trade-able thereafter. That mitigates a goodly amount of risk and bodes well for the Campbell deal too.
I also don’t recall seeing an intraseasonal amendment to a movement clause before.
Me either. Not that I’ve ever looked for something like that. Can be moved before the TD if I am reading that correctly this late at night.
The whole month before.
Kane – 4 x $5.125m
Nichushkin – 8 x $6.125m
Discuss.
OK….HAAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAHAHHAHAHAHAAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH
Nichushkin is 4 years younger than Kane and his stellar defensive record is easily worth an extra $1 million.
Nichushkin is Brad Isbister lol
It’s too early in the morning for comedy hour, HH. A lot of people are going to miss this gem.
Such a bad deal, Sakic got moved upstairs where he can’t do any more damage.
HAAAAHAHAHAHAHAHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHAHHAHAHHAHAHHAHHHHAAAAAAAAAAAHAHAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHAHAHAHAAAAAAAAHAHAHAHAHHAHHA!
Well I’ll be dipped!
ANY legit coroboration yet?
McDavid? Oilers Website? Other?
Yes! It’s popping up everywhere
Dan Milstein
Sportsnet
The Score
The Athletic
For once the night hawks get to break a deal. Suck it, early birds!
HAHAHAAH!!!!!!!!!!
Bob must have known it was coming down.
Bob Stauffer
@Bob_Stauffer
·
21m
Evander Kane breaks the news! 4x 5.125M extension to remain with the @EdmontonOilers
As an Oiler in the regular season and playoffs Kane had: GP: 58 G: 35 A: 21 P: 56 Pim’s: 97 Oilers get a big-time power-forward at a very reasonable rate. Have a great night!
So, last few hours:
1) Gaudreau announces he won’t return to the flames (even though he’s been offered a max term contract at an AAV $2M higher than Drai’s)
2) Evander Kane re-signs in Edmonton for a value cap hit and a term that is a bit long but not egregious.
Now, for the love of Gord, drop the grievance.
Nah. Kadri is going to double dip, but he won’t grind the NHL and San Jose as hard in the settlement.
Now that Kadri has a contract, he will probably settle for a 33%-50% buyout equivalent rather than the 67% buyout he was entitled to.
nothing’s a lock. especially in any sort of court or legal proceeding.
Kane?
everyone has dreams…
I mean Kane. It is after midnight. Its late for old guys.
You had already moved on, hadn’t you? 😉
You’re forgiven!
Everyone’s Fucking Forgiven
HH is Forgiven!
THIS IS SURREAL!
GODOT WAS RIGHT ABOUT KASSIAN!
Helluva deal! Wow!
Holy Hell – that’s a good cap hit and only 1-year longer then “my max”.
These are likely regression years but the cap hit is a value number to start.
Here is hoping there are no signing bonuses in later years and it’s front-loaded.
As per Capfriendly Twitter looks like no SB in yr 4 and a 16 team trade list that last yr as well.
This is UN F#CKIN BELIEVABLE!
THANK YOU EVANDER KANE!
#ExtremeValueContract
This is the biggest Oilers signing since Leon Draisaitl
Not since Kane?
😉
HAHAHA
I’m F#$%ing Giddy!
Lol. Don’t get your hopes too high for tomorrow. I think is probably in the bag, but you never know… many a slip betwixt cup and mouth…
Wooooooooot Holland you beautiful bastard!
Kane! Is back!
4 x 5.125m
Source: Evander Kane
That is a hell of a deal.
Evander Kane
@evanderkane_9
·
19m
I’m back.
Hahaha what a baller move, breaking his own deal. 3 mins after he posted then Friedman follow up with “I’m hearing Kane has re signed with the Oilers”
That deal is just insane value, wow.
$5.125 aav x 4
Holy #$%& !!!
Please let this be real!
Sportsnet reporting it looks real!
$%#^ing INCREDIBLE!
Kane AND Campbell and cash to spare????
WE ARE CONTENDERS!
It’s on his twitter account so unless it was hacked.
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FXhie8UUYAIeDLg?format=jpg&name=large
Based on what he showed in a prove-me half-year, this is unbelievably excellent value. The player we saw is very much what this team needs.
Based on how it ended in Winnipeg, Buffalo, and San Jose…..I am worried about signing him at any price.
I suspect this will either end very well or very badly.
This is how you do it. Ken Holland is a godsend.
Kane is going to pop 183 goals.
Terrific value all things considered – Kane found a home in Edmonton, which has been a good spot for those who made the mistakes of youth to find a better path. For what he provides on the ice in terms of goal scoring ability, PK ability and aggression/agitation, this is a value deal. He’ll step over the line and get himself in trouble from time to time (on the ice) but I’m hopeful he’ll be focused on clean living (off the ice).
Great piece from DNB, an interview with Brad Holland.
Some heartening quotes re: Jesse and how he knows all about how he helps make each center he plays with better vis-a-vis shot and goal share. He likes Jesse.
Here is one quote about the OIlers’ history with analytics:
You mentioned Edmonton. The Oilers have been criticized for being a team that doesn’t focus on analytics enough — at least in comparison with other teams. What do you think about that and how can you change it if you think it’s a concern?
You know what? I’m pretty sure that criticism stems from the fact that they now track analytics hires throughout the league. That’s kind of where this stems from, right?
But where we’ve grown as a staff — and I think Tyler Wright in amateur (scouting) would say the same thing — we might not have held analytics titles, but analytics has informed just about every decision that I’ve seen get made here in Edmonton since my time, to varying degrees.
https://theathletic.com/3419263/2022/07/12/edmonton-oilers-brad-holland-ken-analytics/
He also spoke about how well Ken Holland understands the cap and implications of every transaction, etc. and also had this quote:
If Mike Smith goes on LTIR, he’d join Oscar Klefbom there. Both have a year left on their contracts. Would you consider adding a player destined for LTIR from another team with a year left on a contract, and maybe get an asset back, to add to your LTIR pool?
Ken is so well-versed in the salary cap. Bill Scott and him are always thinking like that — how to maximize our space and our opportunities. To answer your question, it’s not anything that’s pressing. But if it makes sense as far as our salary cap structure, absolutely. I believe that we would.
P.S. Its a LONG interview, I hope the two quotes pasted is not too much LT? There is a ton in there and all should read.
His twenty minutes on ON was an eye-opener. Destroyed a lot of myths and promised a brighter bigger future..
Very good article – DNB was pretty critical of Ken Holland last year (in a way that I personally found was more about his opinion, and not particularly balanced when weighting other factors, such as the human element of bringing in a highly respected veteran like that), but I think both he and the fanbase should now have better insight into how he operates.
The comments here and in other online places about getting Holland an Excel spreadsheet, the criticism of the Keith deal, and how he handled bringing Smith back into the fold late last season. The perceived lack of insight regarding Jesse’s play driving analytics. All of this is total BS. One thing that should stick with everyone here from what Brad Holland said … it’s easy to suggest aggressive moves when you have no skin in the game, but another thing entirely when you are dealing face to face with these players and have to be the one sitting in the big chair who ultimately has the final say when making decisions on short, medium and long term direction for the franchise … but also with the individual players and their own career aspirations, their personal and family situations.
Brad Holland seems to be pretty plugged in around the league, and accomplished in his own right.
Well said.
Love seeing Craig Button trying to spin the Johnny departure with no return like it’s no big deal. His Brother works for the Flames so he’ll tow the line. There’s no way Treliving lasts as long as he has in Calgary if he was the G.M in Edmonton.
I worry about the schadenfreude I am seeing with the Flames and Gaudreau. There is no guarantee we won’t experience something similar a few years down the road.
Here’s hoping tomorrow is a success for Holland and the Oilers set themselves up for a 3 year run at the cup
Nice to see Geno going back to Pittsburg.
Of all the unknowns to come, 2LD has me the most anxious. If there’s no FA to fill that void, Holland will have to find a trade partner or submit an offer sheet. Both of those scenarios worry me…
https://twitter.com/FriedgeHNIC/status/1547029456337997824?s=20&t=vUqIOeU4Rj4sOnjAeuICQA
“Elliotte Friedman
@FriedgeHNIC
Gaudreau agent Lewis Gross: “The Flames did everything they could. This came down to a family decision.”
7:25 PM · Jul 12, 2022·”
Remember when a few months ago Johnny said his family loved it in Calgary?
Gaudreau was willing to negotiate an extension last offseason. Treliving low balled him then and is reaping the rewards now.
As much as people complain about the Nurse contract, its better having your star players on the roster than gone for nothing.
Johnnies last contract was lowballed and payback is a bitch Brad. Johnny kept Brad on a string right till the final day. Wait till Tkachuk turns the screws on Pizza Boy.
I could see Mangiapane doing likewise this summer given how he was dealt with in prior deals as well. May be a tough summer in Calgary.
so in your opinion he should have been paid more than 6.7 million? lol
Yes definitely. Brad nickeled and dimed his franchise player and took all kinds of accolades in doing so. Johnny fuked him in the end left him at the altar. Brad finally offered Johnny a 8 year deal that couldn’t be matched and the kid still turned it down. It’ll be interesting to see if Brad panics tomorrow.
The goal is to deal them before they are gone for nothing.
Maybe he simply meant family as in extended family.
Sometimes players just want to be closer to home, money or situation be damned. See: Kawhi Leonard.
This feels like Christmas Eve, hunkered around the tree and imagining all the possible treasures in their glossy wrappings. Can’t wait to see what “Santa” brings us tomorrow….
I absolutely love this time of year, the optimism, the endless what ifs, the unexpected surprises. Bring it on.
… and it sounds like Calgary already got their first lump of coal in their stocking. Or, as my Mom would have said, they got an onion on a stick for Christmas…
@frank_seravalli
“Johnny Gaudreau informed the #Flames he will not be returning to Calgary. Emotional conversation for both sides, as the Flames rolled out the red carpet to keep him.
A massive offer was presented, as we reported, but this wasn’t about money.”
Legit source
Love the Flames’ fans responses on social media. “He owed us more than to decide at the eleventh hour… wah”
I’m sorry, he owes Calgary shit. Just last summer the media, the fans openly wanted him out of town. Said he was not made for playoff hockey, too soft, etc. They didn’t even try to extend him, and now they expect courtesy in return. He could have been radio silent, but at least he gave the clowns in management a night to pitch the Kadris and the Kanes. He did more than enough for that pathetic franchise
He said goodbye to his teammates at the end of season locker room clear out. That was a strong tell at the time. You don’t do that if you plan on returning. Just listen to his year end interview — the writing was on the wall.
He had not made his mind up yet, he wouldn’t wait to the last minute to declare if he had. The good byes indicate it was a a serious possibility.
But the Calgary fans can take solace in the fact that Treliving inked Blake Coleman to a $4.9 million per season contract last year that still has 5 more seasons to run through till his 36 birthday. Isn’t he the foundation around which Calgary can continue to remain a strong contender?
I wished he signed. He plays best in contract yrs and it would have crippled them longer term. You need him in the regular season to help you get to the dance. He is mediocre in the playoffs.
Johnny was the heart and soul of the Flames. Sutter knew this and asked and received 100% effort from him last year. Whose the leader now, it sure isn’t crybaby Tkachuk. I can’t wait till Brad panics and overpays mediocrity tomorrow.
Sutter’s coaching style has a shelf life of about 2-3 yrs and then the players tune him out. If you look at Johnny’s career numbers and his contract yrs you see a trend. I don’t disagree he is the heart and soul of their offence. Crybaby has to be worried without his centerman his numbers will fall.
Tkachuk is going to ask to be traded to a team with a crackerjack Centreman. By the time the Tkachuk family syndicate finishes playing they will have extracted the most cash in the history of the game.
Greed has never made a Tkachuk blush.
The mistake they made was not dealing him last year.
I know Sutter has evolved into a media darling, and he’s the kinda guy you respect as an honest hard-working blue-collar kinda millionaire…
do players enjoy playing under him? Will his presence be a hindrance to Calgary regarding unrestricted free agents like Gaudreau, and Malkin? It’s counterintuitive I know considering the offensive career bests his guys had under him last season, but I seem to remember he was a tough coach to play for in the ilk of Torts?
Gaudreau not resigning with Calgary possibly just priced Kane out of Edmonton. They will be likely willing to top any of the reasonable deals we have been hearing about between Kane and Holland
With Gaudreau gone, I think they need a forward with playmaking and scoring abilities. If I’m Tkachuk, my worry is about losing value this coming season (ahead of being a UFA in 2023), because my point totals will drop without a highly skilled forward and PP partner.
Calgary overpaying for Kane would be just fine with me. I’m sure Tkachuk and Mangiapane will love the leverage
I get your point yeah Calgary overpays are satisfying, but I think Calgary woes are somewhat irrelevant to our path forward right now. It’s more important that our roster is ready for a cup than it is for Calgary to make mistakes. Best case scenario for us is Kane signing a cheaper deal, excluding Holland having another solution lined up
Doubt if EK can repeat his productivity without McD. Not to worry!
Global News is just reporting gaudreau will not be signing with the phlegms
Was that really a question?
He dragged it on too long. BT should have read the tea leaves and traded him.
I’m a big Jack Campbell fan. I’m going to be happy tomorrow no matter what the contract looks like.
I loved watching this guy play and I loved seeing him in the Leafs Docu-Series on Netflix/Crave/Amazon (or wherever I saw it)
In case you forget the Jack Campbell story in Toronto, here it is in two short articles by a THW/Toronto beat writer.
It beats the hell out looking at the cold dead stats comparisons (all though it includes a few)
Do yourself a favour and read through these two articles. Then chances are you’ll be just as excited as I am when tomorrows announcement happens.
https://thehockeywriters.com/maple-leafs-made-right-move-keeping-campbell/
https://thehockeywriters.com/maple-leafs-puzzling-reluctance-sign-jack-campbell/
Good links, Randle. Love your posts! You make an effort to substantiate what you say, unlike some.
If Malkin is willing to sign a short win now deal like Dreger is hinting. I’d love watching Leon dominate the league as a wing for the next couple of seasons.
Johnny Gaudreau officially to test free agency despite a Book-it stamp from HH to stay
bye bye Johnny you were a worthy adversary
The curse lives on…
All’s well that ends well.
First domino to fall…
Bet HH is very disappointed with Johnny now.
He’s on continuous 24 hour watch his belt and shoe laces have been removed.
Curious to see which team pays him $11 million and repents in leisure.
New Jersey Philly NYI
New Jersey Mini Devils.