The Official NHL Offseason (Cindy-free Zone) thread

[Honolulu_Blue]

Wings didn't get bigger, but hard not to like the moves. Solidified the top two lines, kept intact a potential fun 3rd line of Tatar-Andersson-Nyquist and plenty of options on the 4th line: Eaves, Miller, helm, Bert, Sammuelsson or emmerton.

[Chief Rum]

Surprised no comment on the Ryan trade.

Ryan to the Sens for RW Svilfberg, a prospect (RW Noesen, Sens 2011 1st round pick, 11th overall) and next year's 1st rounder.

My gut at first said this sucks, because I like Ryan and when they don't play the Wings in the playoffs, that top line is about as good as anyone.

But now that I have read up more on these two players we got, I am warming up to it. Svilfberg seems like a nice two-way player who should build on his rookie season, and Noesen seems to have some very strong upside.

Also, trading Ryan frees up some cap space.

Good luck in Ottawa, Ryan.

[britrock88]

I like the Habs picking up Parros for size, and Briere on a relatively cheap deal, IMO, with the potential that his regular-season production rebounds and the promise of good playoff production to thwart another first-round flameout.

Also like the Canes' pickup of Khudobin to give Ward a good-looking backup; maybe Muller won't ride Ward to the IR next year.

Also, dig the Alfredsson pick-up by the Wings. They love their old guys, and just got some support from me for bring Danny on to try to make some noise in the new NE/Florida division next year.

[Suburban Rhythm]

Iginla to Boston 1 year $6m...Aaron Ward was right all along

Matt Cooke to Minnesota, 3 years $2.5m per
I know everyone hates him, he's an ass sometimes (not nearly as much as 3 years ago), but he's also a hell of a PKer, and will chip in 12-15 goals.

Won't miss 2 minutes for being Matt Cooke being called though.

[DaddyTorgo]

Originally Posted by claphamsa

Emery to Philly... woulda thought he could get more money than he did.
Alfredson to the wings. meh

Gah. I was hoping Alfredson to the B's. They need to bring somebody else in offensively.

[DaddyTorgo]

Originally Posted by DaddyTorgo

Gah. I was hoping Alfredson to the B's. They need to bring somebody else in offensively.

DOLA

That'll teach me to post before reading on. Iginla...hmm okay. He didn't play well in the playoffs at all, but hopefully that was due to the B's defense more then him falling off suddenly.

[Logan]

Rangers and McDonagh agreed to an extension: 6 years, $4.7 mil per it's being reported. Love both those numbers.

[Fidatelo]

Jets lose Burmistrov to the KHL. Feels like the kid could have been so much more if he hadn't been rushed to the NHL. I also don't think he got a lot of help from Noel once he was in Winnipeg, but maybe he refused to go to the AHL at that point, too, which is really where he should have been to start. Who knows, but either way it seems like a shame all around.

[nilodor]

Originally Posted by Fidatelo

Jets lose Burmistrov to the KHL. Feels like the kid could have been so much more if he hadn't been rushed to the NHL. I also don't think he got a lot of help from Noel once he was in Winnipeg, but maybe he refused to go to the AHL at that point, too, which is really where he should have been to start. Who knows, but either way it seems like a shame all around.

Don't guys from Russia pretty much have to play in the NHL right away or else their salaries will be much higher in the KHL vs the minors equivalent of their NHL deal?

[Fidatelo]

Originally Posted by nilodor

Don't guys from Russia pretty much have to play in the NHL right away or else their salaries will be much higher in the KHL vs the minors equivalent of their NHL deal?

I'm not sure, I suppose that could be true. I know all of this is a reason why Russians aren't picked as often in the first round anymore.

I just think overall it's a shame, it feels like the career of a really good hockey player has been stunted, if not worse. And for a team like the Jets that has had very poor organizational depth for the past several years, to see this happen to a first-round pick is another setback.

[Logan]

Hey ML...I heard you get name-dropped on Bill Simmons' podcast yesterday when he was talking to his dad about hockey, saying he was recently emailing with you and Wyshynski about the Seguin trade, "2 of the best 3 hockey writers in the world". Since you're somewhat under the radar here, what's it like working for/with Simmons? I imagine Simmons sending emails as if he really knows what he's talking about, and then you and Wysh having a separate email chain where you're making fun of him.

You can PM me.

[sterlingice]

Aw- but it would be more funny if the latter email chain were out in the open

SI

[Draft Dodger]

Bill Simmons is the Andrew Raycroft of sports writing - it took a while, but eventually most people figured out he was nowhere near as good as everyone thought he was

[Dr. Sak]

Originally Posted by Logan

Hey ML...I heard you get name-dropped on Bill Simmons' podcast yesterday when he was talking to his dad about hockey, saying he was recently emailing with you and Wyshynski about the Seguin trade, "2 of the best 3 hockey writers in the world". Since you're somewhat under the radar here, what's it like working for/with Simmons? I imagine Simmons sending emails as if he really knows what he's talking about, and then you and Wysh having a separate email chain where you're making fun of him.

You can PM me.

Hey ML...first time writer...long time listener...Does Simmonds know you use to write a column for the RWBL under his name? If not, how much will you pay me not to publish the writings. I will hang up and listen to your response.

[sterlingice]

Originally Posted by Draft Dodger

Bill Simmons is the Andrew Raycroft of sports writing - it took a while, but eventually most people figured out he was nowhere near as good as everyone thought he was

I think his NBA knowledge is good. Unfortunately, everything else has played itself out including his "oh woe is boston" schtick.

SI

[bhlloy]

They should just stop voting for the hall of fame until Pat Burns gets in. Still a disgrace. Think they got the players right this year (Nieds, Shanny, Chelios) but the other two are another slap in the face.

[Honolulu_Blue]

Originally Posted by bhlloy

They should just stop voting for the hall of fame until Pat Burns gets in. Still a disgrace. Think they got the players right this year (Nieds, Shanny, Chelios) but the other two are another slap in the face.

Good for Shanahan and Chelios!

It will be interesting to see just how many players from the 2002 Red Wings team will end up in the HOF.

[Dr. Sak]

Originally Posted by bhlloy

They should just stop voting for the hall of fame until Pat Burns gets in. Still a disgrace. Think they got the players right this year (Nieds, Shanny, Chelios) but the other two are another slap in the face.

Personal bias aside, I wouldn't call Fred Shero a slap in the face. He's been a long time coming.

[bhlloy]

No I probably wouldn't either to be fair. No disrespect to the fifth member who I know very little about but I have a hard time believing she should be in the hall of fame before Pat Burns.

[Dr. Sak]

I agree. Burns should be in by now.

[Honolulu_Blue]

The Oilers send Magnus Pääjärvi and a second round pick in 2014 to St. Louis for David Perron

[Honolulu_Blue]

The Orc King, Tukka Rask, gets his loots. 8 year deal worth $56 million (so, $7 million a year). That's a lot for a goalie in this era, but he's pretty good.

[MizzouRah]

Originally Posted by Honolulu_Blue

The Oilers send Magnus Pääjärvi and a second round pick in 2014 to St. Louis for David Perron

Who in the heck is Magnus Pääjärvi?

[Ronnie Dobbs3]

Ilya Kovalchuk retires???

edit: seeing this on Twitter

[Logan]

Devils PR is saying it to be true.

[DaddyTorgo]

I know his contract is ridiculous - this just makes it worse right?

[Suburban Rhythm]

Just read this and headed over here...

What in the wold!?

[Suburban Rhythm]

Originally Posted by DaddyTorgo

I know his contract is ridiculous - this just makes it worse right?

If this is real retirement - files papers with the league office, etc etc - Devils not on the hook for 1 more cent.

If he's pulling a Tim Thomas "I am taking a year off to backup through Europe" type, still counts.

[Logan]

Yeah according to Capgeek they'll be hit with $3MM in cap recapture penalties, paid out as $250K against the cap each year through 2025. He probably helped them out big time from a cap perspective in those later years.

On the ice though, it's devastating. Plus they're supposed to be forfeiting their 1st rounder in 2014 from circumventing the cap on his deal in the first place, after delaying giving up the pick sooner. People think they have been hoping to appeal to not lose it, and maybe they now hope this helps them in that regard. Who knows.

[Galaxy]

Originally Posted by Suburban Rhythm

If this is real retirement - files papers with the league office, etc etc - Devils not on the hook for 1 more cent.

If he's pulling a Tim Thomas "I am taking a year off to backup through Europe" type, still counts.

Wow...big news. Is he allowed to play in the KHL?

[Galaxy]

I love reading the Jersey fans over at hfboards.com. They are shell-shocked. My favorite quote:

"So the Devils gave away a first round pick (punishment for the contract), Cormier, Oduya, another first round pick in the trade (if I remember well...) AND gave up on signing Parise for... that?

Wow."

And that first round pick they were punished is in next year's draft.

[Suburban Rhythm]

Originally Posted by Logan

Yeah according to Capgeek they'll be hit with $3MM in cap recapture penalties, paid out as $250K against the cap each year through 2025. He probably helped them out big time from a cap perspective in those later years.

On the ice though, it's devastating. Plus they're supposed to be forfeiting their 1st rounder in 2014 from circumventing the cap on his deal in the first place, after delaying giving up the pick sooner. People think they have been hoping to appeal to not lose it, and maybe they now hope this helps them in that regard. Who knows.

That's the crazy part. Lou is a great GM...but not forfeiting #29 in the 2012 was ridiculously arrogant, as if saying "Well, we'll just forfeit #30 when we win next year!". really dumb there.

I don't see why having the guy retire should save them from a penalty incurred on a contract signed 3 years ago.

[Logan]

Originally Posted by Galaxy

Wow...big news. Is he allowed to play in the KHL?

I believe he is, as long as he files papers to retire it wouldn't impact whatever deal the leagues have with each other. The Devils would just retain his NHL rights.

Saw this a few minutes ago:

Greg Wyshynski ‏@wyshynski 11m

In talking with someone close to Devils: Kovalchuk very tight with KHL money men. Source speculation: "Could make $50M in 5 years there."

[Suburban Rhythm]

And...bet it would have been nice to know this last week, and throw a little extra money at Clarkson, go after a few other FAs.

[Suburban Rhythm]

Brodeur for Fleury and a 1st in 2014 to replace the forfeit pick?

[Galaxy]

Vanek to the Devils? BTW, doesn't this just 10X up the "Russian factor" with NHL teams?

[Logan]

Dmitry Chesnokov ‏@dchesnokov 3m

Source close to Kovalchuk said he saw it coming. Most likely Kovalchuk will play for SKA. I am told major announcement will come very soon.

.

[Suburban Rhythm]

I don't have access to capgeek at work...

Is there an explanation as to the cap recapture? Related to a portion of the money being paid as a signing bonus or roster bonus or something?

[Logan]

Originally Posted by Suburban Rhythm

I don't have access to capgeek at work...

Is there an explanation as to the cap recapture? Related to a portion of the money being paid as a signing bonus or roster bonus or something?

It's the difference between what he was paid in actual dollars since the beginning of his contract, and what the cap hit was for those years based on the entire length of the contract. It wasn't too significant because in real dollars, he was set to earn most of his money over the next few years.

I believe I saw that he earned $23 million in cash vs $20 mil in cap hits.

[JonInMiddleGA]

The face of the Thrashers, along with Heatley, for the existence of the franchise. In hindsight, it's enough to make you think the club never really had a chance.

Instead of Moose & Squirrel, Atlanta simply had Squirrel & Squirrelier.

[Pyser]

jesus. well, thanks kovy for doing this after all the free agents signed. classy.

[chrisj]

As many people have suggested... this has likely been in the works for month. I suspect no one in the Devil front office is surprised.

[Suburban Rhythm]

.

[Suburban Rhythm]

Originally Posted by JonInMiddleGA

The face of the Thrashers, along with Heatley, for the existence of the franchise. In hindsight, it's enough to make you think the club never really had a chance.

Instead of Moose & Squirrel, Atlanta simply had Squirrel & Squirrelier.

Interesting note I caught

From the Thrashers inaugural draft, 1999, Patrik Stefan still holds the franchise record for games played at 455.

The other two players still active from that draft are Garnet Exelby (408 games) and Derek Mackenzie (236).

[Dr. Sak]

Originally Posted by Logan

I believe he is, as long as he files papers to retire it wouldn't impact whatever deal the leagues have with each other. The Devils would just retain his NHL rights.

Saw this a few minutes ago:

I don't think it is as simple for him and retiring from the NHL and then signing a KHL contract. The Devils could try to make his life hell by going to the IIHF and possibly forcing them to rule on this situation. They might not be able to stop him from playing in the KHL in the long run, however, the IIHF could make him ineligible for this year's Olympics and other World Championship events.

[Suburban Rhythm]

Originally Posted by Dr. Sak

I don't think it is as simple for him and retiring from the NHL and then signing a KHL contract. The Devils could try to make his life hell by going to the IIHF and possibly forcing them to rule on this situation. They might not be able to stop him from playing in the KHL in the long run, however, the IIHF could make him ineligible for this year's Olympics and other World Championship events.

Agree

The KHL doesn't really care about straining relations with the IIHF. They don't care if Russian players are "trapped" in Russia...they want them there.

From a Devils perspective, they retain his NHL rights. I wouldn't want to be tied up in this mess long term, but this season...make it hell for him. Block every attempt to play ANYWHERE, especially the Olympics.

[Suburban Rhythm]

DOLA

Unless I missed something...has the NHL ever explicitly stated NHL players will be participating in the Olympics?

If the NHL wants to take a stand here, if SKA signs Kovalchuk...no NHL players. Which means no Ovy, Malkin, Datsyuk, etc for the Games in Sochi.

[Dr. Sak]

Originally Posted by Suburban Rhythm

DOLA

Unless I missed something...has the NHL ever explicitly stated NHL players will be participating in the Olympics?

If the NHL wants to take a stand here, if SKA signs Kovalchuk...no NHL players. Which means no Ovy, Malkin, Datsyuk, etc for the Games in Sochi.

From everything I have read the deal is pretty much done and will be announced today or Monday. It's the reason the NHL Schedule hasn't been announced yet.

The Caps owner already promised Ovi that no matter what the NHL ruling is, he can go back and play in the Olympics.

[Suburban Rhythm]

Apparently Roenick was in rare form after the announcement

Originally Posted by @Jeremy_Roenick

Kovalchuk is as selfish as they come!!!! I'm appalled. I feel bad for all u devils fans. U deserve better than that!!

Originally Posted by @Jeremy_Roenick

Hey Ilya hope u live comfortably in Russia w the money u made from the 23 million u stole from the devils Again I'm right in my analysis

Originally Posted by @Jeremy_Roenick

@mjp42330 I need more than a beer. I'm so riled up on this one. I love the NHL and Lou This is disgusting

Originally Posted by @Jeremy_Roenick

Studiest thing iv heard since Aaron Hernandez .. Kovalchuk retiring !!! Is he out of his mind??? Something is fishy

[JPhillips]

Ovi has also made it clear he'll leave for the Olympics with or without permission. I'd imagine a handful of other Russians would do the same.