Which Contracts Will Lou Dump Now? Look at New Jersey Devils Cap for 2011-12 for Ideas
by John Fischer on Jul 20, 2010 7:30 AM EDT
in Devils Issues & Views
90 comments
Apologies for the clumsy headline, but one of the big issues that the Ilya Kovalchuk re-signing raises is the salary cap. Assuming the initial reports are true, and I'm using this post from Tom Gulitti as reference, Kovalchuk's contract will be $102 million over 17 years, or a $6 million/year cap hit. As a result, the Devils are approximately $1.8 million over the salary cap right now per CapGeek.
However, Lou Lamoriello is going to have to do a lot more than just clear that much. In fact, just to add a minimum-salary player ($500k) to replace one dumped contract, the Devils will need to clear at least $2.3 million. Add more depending on who the replacement will be, whether it's a prospect or a signed free agent. It still seems pretty simple, right? All Lou has to do is dump Bryce Salvador, toss a pick in there to sweeten the deal, give Tyler Eckford that spot, pray and make sacrifices that no one gets injured, and the Devils are good to go.
Actually, no, it's not as simple as that. It never really is, to be honest. There's the small matter of next season and retaining Zach Parise. I'll explain further after the jump.
Remember that, the Kovalchuk signing adds a $6 million/year cap hit to the New Jersey Devils' salary cap. Therefore, the Devils now have $47.82 million tied up in 13 players according to CapGeek. Yes, Jason Arnott, Jamie Langenbrunner, Andy Greene, and Johan Hedberg come off the cap. So does Zach Parise since he's a restricted free agent along with Anssi Salmela and Vladimir Zharkov. The cap space of $11.58 million includes all 7 Devils without contracts.
In other words, say Parise signs an extension of a cap hit of $7 million/year; a very generous cap hit for a player of his qualities while still giving him an amount over, say, Mikko Koivu. That cap space becomes $4.58 million with 6 other players needed to be signed. That can be done if all 6 players (3 forwards, 2 defensemen, and a goalie) sign with New Jersey for a little more than the league minimum. So, yes, even with Lou giving a little less than Arnott's and Langenbrunner's combined current cap amount to Parise, the Devils can put a full roster together. It would be a terrible idea, though.
There's more to the problem than just getting guys to fill in the spots and staying under the cap. If Arnott goes, who's going to be the second line center? If Langenbrunner goes, who's going to be the top two right wingers? If Greene walks, who takes his role as a two-way defenseman? Relying on league minimum players to take on important roles is a recipe for disaster. There is a reason why they are signed to league minimum deals, after all, as they are usually depth players who can perhaps do well in spot duty and that's it. You may have liked Dean McAmmond as center on the top two lines for a couple games, but you wouldn't want him there for 82 games. No offense to Dean, but he wouldn't provide the additional quality necessary to fully support the top players.
Sure, prospects may be able to do those jobs. They may even earn those spots in this season. But the top prospects are going to cost more than just league minimum (e.g. Jacob Josefson will take up $900k, Mattias Tedenby will take $875k, Adam Henrique will take $845.83k, etc.). Plus, if those prospects are on one-year deals like Tyler Eckford or an expiring contract like Matthew Corrente, then that's another spot to replace that will take up more cap space.
Now I know what you may be thinking: John, the salary cap could very well go up for next season. True. An increased cap would help Lou out for 2011-12. However, is it smart to assume that the salary cap will go up a certain amount? How do we know revenues won't stagnate or decrease; thus, leading to a drop in the salary cap. Either way, since we don't know what will happen and there's no information available to make a reasonable guess as to what could happen, Lou can't properly plan that way. You may be willing to plan on the best-case scenario, but that's just asking to be let down.
Even so, the best case scenario may be only a few more million. I would like to go back to my point about how it's not smart to use cheap players to replace important ones.
Ultimately, my main point is that it's not wise for Lou to only clear cap space for this season. He'll have to clear space for next season to re-sign Zach Parise and have money available for quality players to replace those who leave the organization. Even if the worst case scenario happens - someone gives the Devils an offer sheet for Parise, the Devils don't match it, and we cry for days - the projected space of $11.58 million isn't a lot to fill in 7 roster spots. That's an average of $1.654 million per spot and while you can go lower for, say, replacing Salmela, you're not likely to find a player who play for less than $2 million on the open market and reasonably expect good results for a top-6 forward.
Therefore, when considering who's going to be dumped, you have to look at who has a non-expiring deal for this season. Space needs to be created not only for this season but next season. So let's think this out point-by-point. Feel free to follow along with CapGeek's new Flash-based calculator to figure out what would be the savings.
- Arnott, Parise, Langenbrunner, Greene, Salmela, Zharkov, and Hedberg won't be dumped. The Devils will gain nothing for 2011-12 by getting any of their deals off their books.
- Arnott, Hedberg, Henrik Tallinder, and Anton Volchenkov were all signed or acquired in this summer. It makes no sense for Lou to move them now. The same goes for David Clarkson, I don't think the Devils would trade someone they went out and re-signed early unless forced to do so.
- Ilya Kovalchuk is completely safe. Oh, and he has a No Movement Clause through 2016-17. Speaking of...
- Brian Rolston, Colin White, Patrik Elias, Martin Brodeur, and Jamie Langenbrunner all have either No Trade Clauses or No Movement Clauses. Believe me, I sympathize with those who say "Get rid of Rolston and White and the problems are solved." But as I've said over and over and over (especially with respect to Rolston even yesterday), do not expect any of these guys to waive their clauses to go elsewhere. (You can add Arnott and Hedberg, as they have clauses too, but there's no point to trading an expiring contract.)
- Your non-clause, current roster players who weren't acquired this season and won't have expiring deals that can be moved: Travis Zajac ($3.8875/season for next 3); Dainius Zubrus ($3.4 million/season for next 3); Rod Pelley ($550k/season for next 2); Pierre-Luc Letourneau-Leblond ($525k/season for next 2); Bryce Salvador ($2.9 million/season for next 2)
- Among that last group, Zajac's too valuable to dump so he's safe. Leblond and Pelley make so little that the Devils wouldn't save even $100k by dumping both and replacing their spots with league minimum players.
Basically, we're hoping someone waives their NTC/NMC, which is incredibly unlikely (so I wouldn't suggest it), or someone really likes Zubrus and Salvador enough to take their deals as-is. Granted, that's not a bad scenario: that would clear $6.3 million, allow top prospects to replace them now, and still knock off more space for 2011-12. But Lou has no leverage for any deal since the Devils are over the cap. It's going to be more than just those two going - think prospect or top draft pick - if they are dumped at all.
This isn't an ideal situation at all. What's more is that I didn't even getting into the real problem of how the players will react to whoever gets traded away just to make cap space. Lou will have to consider the effect of how any deal will affect team effectiveness and chemistry; though, he may not have that luxury given the situation the team is in.
Like I said yesterday, figuring this out will be a difficult challenge for Lou. If anyone can pull it off, it's him, though. Given the past, oh, 20+ years, I think we can trust Lou to make the best decision available.
Now it's your turn. Do you think the Devils are this limited in terms of whose contract they can dump? Do you think Lou will get out of this situation, and how? What other options does Lou have? Please leave your thoughts and ideas in the comments; and as always, thank you for reading.
P.S. Before you suggest trading a player with a no trade or no movement clause, why should we believe that the player would waive it? Answer this question, lest you get nothing but responses about wanting a unicorn in the deal.
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While it’s not a scenario to absolutely bank on, I think recent history of the last year or two debunks the automatic assumption that players with NTC’s will not move. Most players view the NTC as a method with which to control their destiny. Not many professionals have Kaberle-itis, a disease which afflicts said player with the stubborn refusal to leave a situation where he’s clearly no longer wanted.
Excuse me for my ignorance
but could the Devils waive Salvadaor or even Zubs?
Also, I’m wondering something. And this is just my humble opinion and I have no links to support my outlandish thinking:
This Kovy thing took a long time and I’m wondering if it wasn’t just all on Kovy/ Grossman’s end. I’m thinking that possibly Lou stalled to see how he could clear his cap space. One of the other teams that jumped into the mix, LA, NYI . . . could we possibly see Lou sending Zubrus or Salvador there. Was a backdoor deal made?
I know Lou is not God, but something tells me he thought of this and where some players would be going before inking Kovalchuk. . .
I was trying to find your other post where you listed teams who would be willing to take these salaries, but couldn’t. Anyway, if Lou can make a deal to dump Mogilny’s salary to San Jose, then I think he knows what the next step is . . . .
I have respect for most sports fans with 2 exceptions: NY Ranger fans who grew up in New Jersey, and Dallas Cowboy fans who can't name the capital of Texas.
They could, if they cleared waivers they’d need to be sent down to the minors. If someone claims them problem solved but Lou is not likely to give up players for nothing, even if he can only net a late draft pick I think he would prefer that.
Getting nothing for them might be preferable to paying them exorbitantly to play in the minors or having to bribe someone to take them.
I don’t think that’s the route Lou will go, but when looking at some of the other options, losing a guy for nothing might actually be one of the better alternatives.
DON'T PANIC.
If someone claimed them, wouldn’t the Devils would eat half of their remaining cap space?
Devils in my heart! Devils in my mind! Devils in my eyes! Devils until I die!
In Lou We Trust - The New Jersey Devils SBN Blog
by John Fischer on Jul 20, 2010 8:41 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions
From the discussions that went on after the Oilers put Souray on waivers, I thought that scenario was only if a team tried to bring a player back through re-entry waivers, and that the whole cap hit would be transferred if a player was claimed after being waived off the roster.
by HockeyWeasel on Jul 20, 2010 8:58 AM EDT up reply actions
That may be right. I know Jeff & Co. haven’t had any financial issues, the Kovalchuk deal is the latest example of that; but I doubt they’d be keen on spending $10 mil just to Rolston sit in the minor leagues.
Not to mention that he’d be way too good in the A, take someone else’s spot, and a discontent Rolston would be poison in Albany, hurting development of those prospects as well as the team’s performance.
What I’m getting at is that I’m not a proponent of dumping Rolston to the minors.
Devils in my heart! Devils in my mind! Devils in my eyes! Devils until I die!
In Lou We Trust - The New Jersey Devils SBN Blog
by John Fischer on Jul 20, 2010 9:22 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions
John I think he wasn’t asking about brain but about putting zub or salvador in the minors. Would that work without getting a cap hit?
by Kyle Hamelin on Jul 20, 2010 10:38 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions
However couldn’t Zubie and Salvador be moved to minors to take cap hit off? I realize that would be a worst case scenario.
by KingHellfire on Jul 20, 2010 2:05 PM EDT up reply actions
In the highly unlikely event we could ask Rolston to take a 2-3 mil pay cut and shave off about 1 mil off of Zubs to at least make them seem more attractive to teams looking for players like them.
You can’t re-negotiate contracts once they are signed.
He either has a full cap hit on the Devils, or a 0 if traded. Nothing in-between.
Tick Tock, Tomas. Tick Tock.
A drinking team with a hockey problem.
by nhlcheapshot on Jul 20, 2010 7:57 PM EDT up reply actions
I foudn the post
Zubrus has played center before and could he be headed to LA? Again, just my speculation.
I have respect for most sports fans with 2 exceptions: NY Ranger fans who grew up in New Jersey, and Dallas Cowboy fans who can't name the capital of Texas.
The most likely scenario is trading Salvador and Zubrus, signing Fraser, calling up one or two out of Eckford, Corrente, and Urbom, and giving Josefsen, Tedenby, and Henrique a shot at the team. I could see Tedenby not making the team, given all the wings currently on the roster he’ll be better served getting lots of minutes in Albany. These moves would leave the Devils with a million and change, enough to net a veteran bottom 6 center if necessary.
This capspace talk is beyond me and I understand that the Devils have to make adjustments to compensate for Kovy but...
this trading Zubrus thing doesn’t sound to kosher to me. the guy made significant contributions to the team last season. IMO he is a solid player…why get rid of him? I am sur ther is someone with less talent that can be moved.
A game of Chess is like a sword fight....you must think first....before you move.
by LoNJDTechnology on Jul 20, 2010 12:40 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
I agree that I like Zubrus, but the bottom line at this point is that the Devils only have two moveable players:
- Zubrus (cap hit 3.4 mil)
- Salvador (cap hit 2.9 mil)
And they need to make space for 1.8 mil + additional roster players. So let’s put it this way – who would you rather have, Kovalchuk or Zubrus? Because it looks like we can’t have both.
I am not touching that one.
A game of Chess is like a sword fight....you must think first....before you move.
by LoNJDTechnology on Jul 20, 2010 4:04 PM EDT up reply actions
cap space
except for rolston, any player with a no trade clause, but not a no movement clause could be waived and sent to albany if unclaimed…while that player would still have to be paid the same salary by the devils, they would come off any cap hit…so white/langenbrunner could be enticed to waive their ‘no trade’ clause rather than ride buses for albany if it came to that
by don in central jersey on Jul 20, 2010 7:55 AM EDT reply actions
Just throwing this out there, but with the long-term lock-up of Kovalchuk and the presumption that Parise will be locked shortly, does Tedenby become tradeable or does he need to learn how to play on the right?
If his greatest asset to the team right now is his potential, he may be the pot-sweetener for someone to take one of the contracts we’re trying to move…
DON'T PANIC.
tedenby and josefson can’t get traded…they’re too close to an NHL debut and honestly, IMO, they is two of the greatest prospects the devils have had since parise (and maybe bergfors since he played so well when he was with us)
Understood, and Josephson and Tedenby are often expected to play together, but when Parise is made a lifer, top 2 LWs will be locked until the sun goes dark. Tedenby is too skilled (if it translates ot the NHL) to be a third or fourth liner. He’d be far more valuable to the organization to trade. I don’t thik right now is the time to do it, but he’s got to adapt if he gets a meaningful place on the team. Otherwise, he’s trade bait.
Right, but with arguably two of the game’s best LW already on the team for (presumably) a long long time, doesn’t Tedenby lose some of his value to the team?
True, he could switch to RW, or the team could try to transition to three scoring lines and those are viable options so far as I can tell… but surely one has to admit that his future with the team just became a bit more hazy, no?
I’m not saying I want it to happen or I think it will, just putting the subject up for discussion as it seems a consideration that hasn’t been taken into account by the fans yet.
DON'T PANIC.
i think it’s certainly possible. it would be unfortunate, but it’s not like a team with parise and kovalchuk will be starved for goal scoring.
i still think that john is incorrect that no one will waive their no-trade clause. read between the lines of what rolston is saying, he sounds like a guy who could be on the way out. he’s not going to play the point on the power play anymore, he’s been a 2nd unit guy since he’s gotten here, he played on the 4th line in the playoffs in 2009 and the 3rd line in 2010, he was a healthy scratch once last year – in short, the role we signed him for is gone. i don’t think it’s impossible that he’d want to go elsewhere.
Perhaps a pre season move and an in season move
John, as you note, the only thing the Devils have to do immediately is clear the $2.3 million. Yes, some additional wiggle room will be desirable in case they have a need to fill during the season. But for the start of the year, they basically have one player to get rid of.
I wonder if the approach is not to make the initial move, and then during the season, make a 2nd move. At that time, injuries or other events may make another team a more willing partner for a guy like Zubrus and have the Devils less over a barrell.
Admittedly its a gamble, but seems better than doing two deals now when admittedly we have little leverage.
Also, this is your usual thorough work, but in some ways aren’t we are mixing a bit of oranges and apples here? In my view there are two issues – one for getting under the cap this year, and a completely separate one for next year. Every team in the NHL is going to be affecting by events this year that could make it easier for Lou to do what he needs to over the course of this season and next offseason to get under the cap. Yes the Devils face cap issues for 11-12, but let’s enjoy this season first!
Also, can anyone re-explain the allowances a team gets for injured players. Doesn’t that reduce the need for “wiggle room” that they need going in to the season?
by Devilssection21fan on Jul 20, 2010 8:17 AM EDT reply actions
Injured players
Only if the players can be put on LTIR, Long Term Injured Reserve, do you escape their Cap Hit.
"Don't worry about my Cap." - Lou Lamoriello
And that’s only temporary. Once they are cleared and activated, they are back on the cap.
Devils in my heart! Devils in my mind! Devils in my eyes! Devils until I die!
In Lou We Trust - The New Jersey Devils SBN Blog
by John Fischer on Jul 20, 2010 11:29 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions
What do you guys think of the contract breakdown? Fair price?
by ThrashersRecaps on Jul 20, 2010 8:21 AM EDT reply actions
For all of the issues it raised and concerns that are now real, I honestly cannot complain about a $6 million/year cap hit for Kovalchuk.
Those who do complain, well, too bad for them. No rule has actually been broken, there’s no proof of one, and I think a lot of the bad feelings come from people who support teams where ownership and the GM do not or will not be creative and/or put up big money.
Devils in my heart! Devils in my mind! Devils in my eyes! Devils until I die!
In Lou We Trust - The New Jersey Devils SBN Blog
by John Fischer on Jul 20, 2010 8:39 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Plus, if Kovy DOES play until he’s 44, while the cap hit at the tail end would be monstrous, a la Rolston, the actual salary he’d be getting is a bargain.
Go Devils
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theory
John- if a player signs a front loaded contract, say 9 years,and then retires 3 years in what happens in the cap situation? say its a 8,8,8,and 1s for the last 6?
Cap situation is cleared, assuming the players contract was signed before he turned 35.
"Don't worry about my Cap." - Lou Lamoriello
If a player is 35 or older when he signs the contract, said contract counts against the cap until it runs out.
For example — even if Rolston announced his retirement today, he’d still be on the cap for the next two seasons.
by HockeyWeasel on Jul 20, 2010 1:32 PM EDT up reply actions
He's on the books
If the player is over 35 at the time of the next term of the contract (June 30), his cap hit is guaranteed on the books regardless if he plays or not.
Basically, Kovalchuk can retire whenever and his cap hit goes away. He signed his deal before 35. For a 35 and over example, Rolston’s on NJ’s books no matter what unless he goes to another team.
Devils in my heart! Devils in my mind! Devils in my eyes! Devils until I die!
In Lou We Trust - The New Jersey Devils SBN Blog
by John Fischer on Jul 20, 2010 1:34 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Marty was signed before he was 35. 5.2 million isn’t a killer because, hey, he performs pretty well.
Devils in my heart! Devils in my mind! Devils in my eyes! Devils until I die!
In Lou We Trust - The New Jersey Devils SBN Blog
by John Fischer on Jul 20, 2010 6:18 PM EDT up reply actions
But Lou has no leverage for any deal since the Devils are over the cap. It’s going to be more than just those two going – think prospect or top draft pick – if they are dumped at all.
I’d have to disagree. Just because other teams know we’re in a bind doesn’t mean we’re going to lose 1st/2nd round picks or top prospects like Urbom or Tedenby. Look at Chicago’s deals. True, they’re giving away players like Versteeg, but I don’t recall them having to give up any high end prospects/picks.
It’s definitely situational-dependent… look at what Gagne got because he would only waive his NTC for 1 team.
Chicago also did a great job of selling high on players and did it early in the offseason while plenty of teams had cap space (in particular, teams that always spend to the cap anyway, not small market/internal cap teams).
Tick Tock, Tomas. Tick Tock.
A drinking team with a hockey problem.
by nhlcheapshot on Jul 20, 2010 2:03 PM EDT up reply actions
Do we know Gagne was only willing to waive it for one team? I’d read, though never seen anything confirmed, that he had a few teams he was willing to go to.
But I agree, it is situational, and would also add influenced by the abilities of the GMs involved. Holmgren is obviously on a month long bender and so his decision making capabilities are impaired…
DON'T PANIC.
Based on this quote, I'd say it's likely.
“Tampa Bay was the team that was really interesting to myself and that’s when we started talking to Steve Yzerman and we able to make something happen with them. I was willing to waive my no-trade clause only for Tampa Bay, not for other teams.”
- Simon Gagne
http://www.rawcharge.com/2010/7/19/1577325/its-always-a-surprise-and-a-little#comments
Tick Tock, Tomas. Tick Tock.
A drinking team with a hockey problem.
by nhlcheapshot on Jul 20, 2010 2:22 PM EDT up reply actions
Opening night roster possibility
The only stretch in here is Langenbrunner being out. 2 words to explain that, Simon Gagne. OK, more, just because the published reports about Jamie’s problems were about Lemaire; what if that isn’t completely the case and he still has problems? Maybe HE’S the one who complained most about Kovy getting free reign and now that Kovy’s locked up until the cows come home, he WILL want out. Far-fetched scenarios? Maybe not.
This includes 22 players and has $960K available for a 23rd. As I’d said elsewhere, Salvador and Langenbrunner might be the smartest moves from the Devils perspective. I see both of them being moved for draft picks, prospects, or spare parts (a la Gagne). I also accounted for what I believe are reasonable raises for Fraser and Mottau. Plus, I believe capgeek still has Pelley’s wrong, because TG reported that his cap hit was $525K. So make it $985K available.
CAPGEEK.COM CAP CALCULATOR
FORWARDS
Zach Parise ($3.125m) / Travis Zajac ($3.887m) / Dainius Zubrus ($3.400m)
Ilya Kovalchuk ($6.000m) / Jason Arnott ($4.500m) / Patrik Elias ($6.000m)
Brian Rolston ($5.062m) / Jacob Josefson ($0.900m) / David Clarkson ($2.666m)
P-L Letourneau-Leblond ($0.525m) / Rod Pelley ($0.550m) / Vladimir Zharkov ($0.850m)
Dean McAmmond ($0.500m)
DEFENSEMEN
Anton Volchenkov ($4.250m) / Andy Greene ($0.737m)
Henrik Tallinder ($3.375m) / Mark Fraser ($0.700m)
Colin White ($3.000m) / Tyler Eckford ($0.550m)
Mike Mottau ($0.900m)
GOALTENDERS
Martin Brodeur ($5.200m) /Johan Hedberg ($1.500m)
BUYOUTS: Jay Pandolfo ($0.833m) / Andrew Peters ($0.166m)
CAPGEEK.COM TOTALS (follow @capgeek on Twitter)
(these totals are compiled using the bonus cushion)
SALARY CAP: $59,400,000; CAP PAYROLL: $59,179,167; BONUSES: $740,000
CAP SPACE (22-man roster): $960,833
Go Devils
Go Jets
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Langenbrunner isn't going anywhere. He's going to the presser.
" I don't go to work.... I go to a game" - Bob Sheppard RIP
by RolliePollieKovy on Jul 20, 2010 10:17 AM EDT up reply actions
I WOULD NOT resign Mottau
let a younger guy get in there to get more experience. Mottau should not come back.
by brodeurman89 on Jul 20, 2010 10:50 AM EDT up reply actions
Give him the league minimum and take the #27 jersey away from him. Disgrace.
" I don't go to work.... I go to a game" - Bob Sheppard RIP
by RolliePollieKovy on Jul 20, 2010 11:01 AM EDT up reply actions
i say Salvador and Mottau will be gone. Then we give Salvador’s number to Volchenkov and Mottau’s to Tallinder.
by KingHellfire on Jul 20, 2010 2:20 PM EDT up reply actions
I understand what you are saying Frank, but I really dont see Jamie going anywhere when he has the leverage. Why would you want to leave now, knowing you will have your best chance of winning? And I dont see Langer taking being the Team Captain lightly, he would not have that opportunity if he allowed the Devils to trade him.
"Don't worry about my Cap." - Lou Lamoriello
Prime Time for Jamie to leave
I believe he didn’t embrace the pressure of captaincy as of recently partially because he knows he’s under paid. Its not a money thing, but more of a respect thing. Plus, its time to hand over the C to Zach, it will be great incentive for him to want to be with the organization for a long time and I think he’s just as good of a leader as Toews, and IMO, definitely a better player, so there is proof that Zach can lead the Devs to a championship. It is also important to let Kovy know (once again, IMO) that it’s still Zach’s offense. Remember when A-Rod came to the Yankees, it was still Jeter’s team, and always will be. Jamie, you’re the man, but it’s time for a move on…
Do you really think Mottau is going to make the roster over Corrente?
by HockeyWeasel on Jul 20, 2010 1:29 PM EDT up reply actions
quick salary dumps
Zubrus and Salvador get traded. Zubrus is overpaid, but not by so mauch that he is untradeable, and he has helped our cuase by performing well in NJ
White plays this year, but next year gets Pandolfo’d
Moving Rolston would be the biggest benefit but is the most difficult to move. He may agree to a trade in order to play on the top 2 lines somewhere else. The NYI need the salary to reach the floor, need some experience up front, and don’t Lou and Garth Snow have a pretty good relationship? They may even be able to slap a “C” on his chest, which could entice Rollie to make the move.
That’s a lot of salary, right there.
I predict Zubrus will get moved (Played actually really well last year after coming back from injury), Salvador gets moved, and potentially Rolston..although it will be extremely difficult considered the money earned. He’s a good expiring contract after next year for a team to use as leverage I suppose.
"We aim above the mark to hit the mark." -- Ralph Waldo Emerson
"We're looking at hiring the Red Army choir to perform at half-time along with Russia's top dancing bear collective." -Mikhail Prokhorov
"Don't worry about my cap" - Lou Lamoriello
If we get rid of Salvador, Rolston, Zubrus that clears 11.325 million.
by KingHellfire on Jul 20, 2010 2:22 PM EDT up reply actions
I dont think White will get bought out, he’s been loyal and signed what was a steal of a contract ($3mil per for 6yrs) when it looked like he was going to be a top pair D-Man, then he had the serious eye injury. He’s done a lot for the team and I don’t think Lou buys him out unless White asks him to.
At this point...
I’d be willing to trade Rolston, White, Zubrus, and Salvadore for draft picks and I wouldn’t even care if we traded them in the division for low round picks.
With Rolston it’s tough because yes he could be a top 2 foward on a lot of teams but most of them, like the Isles, are total crap. Why would he want to be traded from a contender to a basement dweller? At the moment I can’t think of a reason why any playoff contending team would take him.
Sodomize Intolerance
by sonicdeathmonkey on Jul 20, 2010 12:28 PM EDT reply actions
Why?
Why would he want to be traded from a contender to a basement dweller?
1) To get more ice time. It’s pretty obvious there is not room for him on the top two lines in NJ.
2) To be a leader for a bunch of up-and comers. There is no question that Rolston could wear the “C” on most teams in the NHL.
3) If the destination was NYI, because he wouldn’t have to move.
4) If he believes that his cap hit prevents Lou from getting the pieces he needs to make a winner, then if he stays it will not be on a winning team.
Not saying this is likely – I still think it is not. But stranger things have happened. Pandolfo REQUESTED a buyout.
Good day to everybody. I have a question about Parise’s contract and the effect of an extension on the cap. I’m going to give an example of my question, and it’s kind of complicated so bear with me. Here it goes:
Let’s say Parise is making $5 mill a year right now. Next year he becomes an RFA, but Lou signs him to a 3 year extension today, in which he’ll get $7 mill a season for those three seasons. Since this extension is now part of his contract and not a new contract, will his cap hit for this year take into account the following three seasons of $7 mill salary? What I mean is, currently he has a cap hit of $5 mill for this season. With the extension, would his cap hit this seasons be $6.5 mill instead of $5?($26 mill divided by 4 seasons = $6.5 mill).
I’m betting the answer to this question is no, but I figured I might as well ask. It seems like it’s at least possible that an “extension” would be considered just another part of his current contract.
Thanks for any help
You’re right, the answer is no. Just look at Chris Pronger for an example. The Flyers traded for him, and then signed him to an extension. Last season, the last year of the contract he was on, his cap hit was $6.25 million. This year, the first season of his extension, his cap hit is $4.92 million.
by HockeyWeasel on Jul 20, 2010 1:25 PM EDT up reply actions
Also a correction — Parise’s cap hit for this year is $3.125 million, not $5 million.
by HockeyWeasel on Jul 20, 2010 1:26 PM EDT up reply actions
Yeah sorry, I was just using number that would be easy. I should have said that.
by Dr. Witticism on Jul 20, 2010 1:30 PM EDT up reply actions
Why would we think that Parise contract cap hit is going to be above $6 million?
Elias cap hit is 6 million.
Kovalchuk cap hit is 6 million.
Marty Broduer cap hit is 5.2 million.
How much of a team player would Parise really be if he demanded he got a cap hit greater than any devil including the greatest FA ever available and the greatest Goalie ever?
If Parise likes how the team plays together this season then I think Parise will sign a long extension and get the same $6 million cap hit. Say a 12 year 72 million dollar deal, but front loaded it so he is getting most of it before he turns 34.
It would have no bearing whatsoever on Parise as a team player if he had a cap hit larger than a contract signed over 4 years ago, one signed at a lower than market rate or a cap-massaging 17 year contract.
It’s quite possible he could be signed for ~$6m cap hit, but to expect him to take a pay cut just to stay with the team is unrealistic.
DON'T PANIC.
I dont expect another 17-year contract for Zach, so assumedly he would not be getting an equal Cap Hit because we wouldnt be able to ‘bottom-out’ the backside of the deal. I expect Parise to re-sign for a $7M Cap Hit, somewhere in the neighborhood of 7 years.
"Don't worry about my Cap." - Lou Lamoriello
Kovalchuk turned down at 12 year 101 million dollar deal from Atlanta. Islanders 10 year 100 million supposely as well. Kovalchuk agent had to have know that no team would be able to afford that contract at all. So Kovalchuk took a pay cut to play for the Devils/Kings.
The only way Parise will stay a Devil or a winning team is if he takes a pay cut because there will be teams willing to give Parise a big cap hit.
Kovalchuk turned down those contracts because he didn’t want to play for Atlanta or the Islanders (if that deal was ever truly even offered). Besides, $102m is more than $101m and $100m, so in actuality, he’s making more.
The only way Parise will stay a Devil or a winning team is if he takes a pay cut because there will be teams willing to give Parise a big cap hit.
So because there will be teams willing to pay him a lot of money, the only way he stays a Devil is if he agrees to take less money? That doesn’t make any sense.
Of course there will be teams willing to pay him a lot of money. That’s how the market works. I’m sure the Devils will be one of them, and thanks to the $6m cap hit of Kovalchuk, it will be an easier task for them to meet his salary demands.
The Penguins carry two guys with $8.7m cap hits and still field a pretty competitive team. Washington’s top line costs them $22.2m/year. The Red Wings field four guys whose cap hits are between $6-7m. It can be done.
Like Lou says, don’t worry about his cap.
DON'T PANIC.
102 million over 17 years is A LOT less than 101 million over 12 years and the 100 million over 10 years.
I am not worried about the cap. I was just pointing out that I think Parise will get a 6ish million dollar cap hit as well since Kovy (who I believe is a better player) took that 6 million hit, Elias has a 6 million hit, and Broduer has a 5.2 million cap hit.
The Pens have had a great run with their 3 great centers….but as of late we see that those two 8.7 million dollar deals don’t allow the Pens to give any of their Centers a quality winger.
I am hoping that Parise will take less money then he could get on the market to stay a Devil (8ish million) because I don’t believe Lou is going to offer him (nor do I want him to) a deal at that amount for Cap reasons.
102 million over 17 years is A LOT less than 101 million over 12 years and the 100 million over 10 years.
102 > 101 > 100.
The time frame is irrelevant… it’s more money no matter how it’s broken up. I’m really struggling with how you fail to see that, never mind that you feel it’s “A LOT” less.
Elias’ deal was brokered four years of raised salary cap and inflation ago, so his contract isn’t exactly the best comparison. Kovalchuk’s is a cap massager. You’ may be right that he’ll get a deal like that… we’ll have to see what happens, but what I took exception to was your statement that he would not be a team player if his cap hit exceeded incomparable contracts on the team.
DON'T PANIC.
102 over 17 years is 6 per year
101 over 12 years is 8.4 per year
100 over 10 years is 10 per year
Time frame is key. You do understand that if Kovy retires before the contract is over he doesn’t get the rest of the money.
So lets say he retire after the 2020-2021 season. He would have made 98.5 million dollars over 11 years.
Check out Brett Hull. That guy was able to score 25 G 43 A for 68 points at the age of 39. Teams would give 2-3 million easy for that production.
He(Hull) probably would have had another good season had his following season not been lost to the lockout.
by KingHellfire on Jul 20, 2010 5:43 PM EDT up reply actions
The cap hit is less, but the contract is for more money. If you’re talking about the cap hit, you might want to mention it somewhere in the sentence…
I’m no capologist and someone may correct me, but I’m pretty sure he gets his money even if he retires… it just comes off the cap.
And none of this addresses how Parise isn’t a team player if his cap hit is over $6m.
DON'T PANIC.
Could try and package both Zubrus and Salvador for one player in the last year of a contract.
Not sure if anyone is on the block. But some team might want two veterans.
Zubrus and Salvador to the Islanders for Okposo….thats the deal!!
In all seriousness the Islanders need to get to the floor.
They need to get to the floor, but they sure as heck wouldn’t trade Okposo to get there. He’s as big a piece of the Isles’ future plans as Tavares.
by HockeyWeasel on Jul 20, 2010 5:24 PM EDT up reply actions
What would happen if
Rolston was flat bought out? I saw someone suggest White as a potential Pandolfo sacrifice but why not Rolston? Would the whole over 35 thing come into play? or is it different since its a buyout instead of a retirement?
And if it comes down to it i would gladly see White bought out if it would help sign Parise.
As a side note… whats with all the no trade and no movement clauses? Is this a normal amount or is this part of the Lou coolaide?
I believe that even if Rolston were bought out the cap hit all 5 million would still be there until his contract expired. I’m sure John or another of the columns writers could verify that.
by KingHellfire on Jul 20, 2010 5:46 PM EDT up reply actions
Rolston was flat bought out? I saw someone suggest White as a potential Pandolfo sacrifice but why not Rolston? Would the whole over 35 thing come into play? or is it different since its a buyout instead of a retirement?
It can’t be done. A buy out of an over 35 contract would still leave the full cap hit on the books, so there’s no reason to do a buy out of one. Rolston’s deal will stay.
White could because he wasn’t 35 or older when he signed his deal. I wouldn’t do it now since it’ll leave $1 million/year cap hit for 2 years following the end of White’s deal. You’d only save a net total of $2 million. It may be better to do it next season, but who knows whether he deserves one. Pandolfo pretty much played himself off the Devils last season; White’s still got gas in the proverbial tank.
Devils in my heart! Devils in my mind! Devils in my eyes! Devils until I die!
In Lou We Trust - The New Jersey Devils SBN Blog
by John Fischer on Jul 20, 2010 6:23 PM EDT up reply actions
Here is a roster i set up via capgeek, it has 23 players and comes under the cap this is assuming just salvador and zubrus are moved.
CAPGEEK.COM CAP CALCULATOR
FORWARDS
Patrik Elias ($6.000m) / Ilya Kovalchuk ($6.000m) / Brian Rolston ($5.062m)
Jason Arnott ($4.500m) / Travis Zajac ($3.887m) / Jamie Langenbrunner ($2.800m)
Zach Parise ($3.125m) / Rod Pelley ($0.550m) / David Clarkson ($2.666m)
Vladimir Zharkov ($0.850m) / Jacob Josefson ($0.900m) / P-L Letourneau-Leblond ($0.525m)
/ Adam Henrique ($0.845m)
DEFENSEMEN
Anton Volchenkov ($4.250m) / Henrik Tallinder ($3.375m)
Colin White ($3.000m) / Alexander Urbom ($0.870m)
Andy Greene ($0.737m) / Matt Corrente ($0.821m)
Anssi Salmela ($0.612m) / Eric Gelinas ($0.690m)
GOALTENDERS
Martin Brodeur ($5.200m) /Johan Hedberg ($1.500m)
BUYOUTS: Jay Pandolfo ($0.833m) / Andrew Peters ($0.166m)
CAPGEEK.COM TOTALS (follow @capgeek on Twitter)
(these totals are compiled using the bonus cushion)
SALARY CAP: $59,400,000; CAP PAYROLL: $59,769,167; BONUSES: $1,502,500
CAP SPACE (23-man roster): $1,133,333
If we wanted to save some more money we could insert mcammond instead of Henrique or josefson. That would then put us near 1.5 million in space.
by KingHellfire on Jul 20, 2010 5:40 PM EDT up reply actions
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