Contract Issues - What is really important?
by DevsFan520 on Aug 10, 2010 5:45 PM EDT
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PrintWith the Ilya Kovalchuk contract debacle still going, I came across this article today from Tara Sullivan of The Bergen Record. She discusses how contract issues are keeping fans from talking about what is occurring on the field, ice, court, etc; and instead has them talking about what is happening behind office doors and court rooms. She uses the Kovalchuk situation as one of her main points.
I thought this was a fitting discussion given our current situation as Devils fans. While we try to look ahead to the upcoming season, it's hard to do so without knowing the complexion of our team. I know a lot of this won't start taking shape until all of the off season acquisitions are made and the preseason starts; but wouldn't we rather talk about just that, and not contract circumvention and the legal in's and out's of CBA's and SPC's? The two do go hand and hand to a certain extent, but I don't know if it should be this much. The business side of sports is seeping into the mainstream discussion more than ever. With these massive multi-year, multi-million dollar contracts, how can it not. But is that truly what sports is about? Is that what sports has become or is becoming? ILWT readers have dived deep into the CBA and legal ramifications for the Kovalchuk contract case. While I think as fans we need to be aware of these and understand them, it also seems to me that this goes against what hockey and sports in general is truly about - the action on the ice or playing field. I'm in no way saying that we as Devils fans should completely stop discussing the Kovalchuk issue, because well, at the moment it's the biggest thing happening with our team. I also understand that during the off season the amount of content is limited. But as fans wouldn't we much rather read and discuss how Ilya could or is going help improve our team and how the other signings will improve the team. I won't deny that these have been discussed, but not at the length this contract case has been talked about.
I would like to point out that the Prospect Profiles by Tom and the Martin Brodeur Monthly Goal Reviews by John have been wonderful to read. For me, it is nice to learn about the young talent in our farm system and look back at statistics from previous seasons. It allows us to look ahead to the upcoming season and see who can come up and contribute and where our players can improve on previous numbers.
Thank you for reading my thoughts and I hope my view has come across clearly - I'm not the greatest at putting what's in my head on paper. Please let me know if you agree, disagree or what your thoughts may be. Lastly, Go Devils.
All FanPosts and FanShots are the respective work of the author and not representative of the writers or other users of In Lou We Trust.
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"But is that truly what sports is about?"
I’m gonna look past the fact that, that is the most famous and cheesiest cliche from bad/mediocre movies for a moment and say I 100% agree. I have completely forgot about the issues on ice that were at hand before the Kovalchuk Saga began, I remember being worried that the Game will become less physical (therefore less entertaining) because players would be too afraid to hit just in case they hurt the guy and get suspended (Ovechkin). This Post really opened my eyes, illegal contracts and law suits have nothing to do with hockey and they definitely shouldn’t be the main topic of hockey discussion (However, how can it not considering the combination of controversy and off-season).
Go Devils!
Numbers don't lie, Martin Brodeur
"But is that truly what sports is about?"
I’m gonna look past the fact that, that is the most famous and cheesiest cliche from bad/mediocre movies for a moment and say I 100% agree. I have completely forgot about the issues on ice that were at hand before the Kovalchuk Saga began, I remember being worried that the Game will become less physical (therefore less entertaining) because players would be too afraid to hit just in case they hurt the guy and get suspended (Ovechkin). This Post really opened my eyes, illegal contracts and law suits have nothing to do with hockey and they definitely shouldn’t be the main topic of hockey discussion (However, how can it not considering the combination of controversy and off-season).
Go Devils!
Numbers don't lie, Martin Brodeur
Well look at it this way
There could be a lot more potential general managers, because by next year we will memorize the CBA outline.
Yankees in baseball, Giants in football and Devils in hockey. It's that simple. I have no off-season.
You don’t need knowledge of the CBA for that, just pictures of a team owner in a compromising situation. After all, if you’re the GM, you can hire “experts” to help you out, from scouting directors to cap gurus. =)
Why should legitimate qualfications matter for becoming a GM, anyhow? Have you seen the number of people who hold that title in sports who are partial or complete idiots? Half the guys hired by the Dolans to run their teams come to mind just off the top of my head.
3C
Ok, so who will be playing Center on our 3rd line this coming year? Will it be Josefson, Henrique, someone as a Free Agent? Who would be best.
Thanks DevsFan520, for the ‘shift’ of focus. Let’s also talk hockey, the game, the players, our predictions!
"Don't worry about my Cap." - Lou Lamoriello
If we do wind up getting Kovy, I wouldn’t mind seeing Tim Sestito getting a shot at the 3rd line center spot. From what I’ve seen and read about him he seems like he would be a good “energy” creator and could fill that spot nicely. Not to mention he would be a soft cap hit at $500K.
If we don’t get Kovy in the end, I wouldn’t mind seeing us go after a player like Eric Belanger or Richard Park. Belanger might be on the more expensive side and want a muti-year deal, but I think he could be a great asset to the team. Although with Josefson and Henrique both on the brink of making the team it may not be the smartest move if he did want a multi-year deal. I’ve always thought Park played well too when we were facing the Isles and he’d be more cap friendly.
Then theres always Dean McAmmond, but he may be better suited for a 4th line spot.
Belanger, yes
But I think about Park, the way you do about McAmmond. He needs to be a 4th-liner to be productive. I think he has played very well against us for sure, but his salary, numbers, size, and overall effectiveness say 4th line to me.
I want to think of 3C with Kovalchuk, Im optimisitic. If we can spend $1M, I want Brendan Morrison. If a little less, maybe Adam Mair. Internally, I want Henrique playing that role, not Josefson. I want to give Josefson one season in North America first, let him come in next year for that Number 2 Center spot.
"Don't worry about my Cap." - Lou Lamoriello
Bingo
And I think thats what Lou’s plans are. Its Henrique’s job to lose.
Mathew Barnaby to Lyle Odelein: "Cornelius, as we like to call him, gets under your skin. Planet of the Apes. Look at him. Seriously. He looks like Cornelious."
Odelein to Barnaby: "He should take a look at his wife. She's God-awful to look at."
by RolliePollieKovy on Aug 11, 2010 12:45 PM EDT up reply actions
Do you think another year in Sweden or an AHL spot would benefit Josefson more? I’m not completely familiar with the role he played in Sweden, but I’d imagine having a top line spot in Albany could be the best way to get him ready if needed later this season and definitely for next season.
He has to get used to NA ice...
So 1st line with Albany would be nice playing with Tedenby on the 1st line with Davis or Palmieri.
Mathew Barnaby to Lyle Odelein: "Cornelius, as we like to call him, gets under your skin. Planet of the Apes. Look at him. Seriously. He looks like Cornelious."
Odelein to Barnaby: "He should take a look at his wife. She's God-awful to look at."
by RolliePollieKovy on Aug 11, 2010 3:35 PM EDT up reply actions
Definitely agree...
I think all four of those guys deserve at least a little ice time in the NHL as well this season. Who knows, maybe we will be pleasantly surprised with how they respond and perform. Both Davis and Palmieri had admirable stints last year.
There’s no reason at this time to go outside the organization for a 3C. Maybe camp will show them to not be ready for the NHL, but there are guys with a shot, and frankly, I am opposed to closing the door to the possibility of their promotion to the NHL club by going out and renting a center to fill the spot. The 3C this year could end up the 2C next year, and we need to get our young guys the chance to play at the NHL level to prepare for that.
Zubrus
Did we forget about all the centers we have, Zubrus will have to step down, I know he’s proved better, but with Arnott on 2nd and Zajac on first, and with fourth line not really mattering IMO, McAmmond or Pelley, 3rd line just works out.
Go Devils!
Numbers don't lie, Martin Brodeur
Zubrus may not be with us though if Kovy gets his new contract. He might be one of the dumped salaries.
If I remember Zubes was actually a lot better when he was on the wing too.
Mathew Barnaby to Lyle Odelein: "Cornelius, as we like to call him, gets under your skin. Planet of the Apes. Look at him. Seriously. He looks like Cornelious."
Odelein to Barnaby: "He should take a look at his wife. She's God-awful to look at."
by RolliePollieKovy on Aug 11, 2010 12:49 PM EDT up reply actions
Zubrus can be used as a winger though
Mathew Barnaby to Lyle Odelein: "Cornelius, as we like to call him, gets under your skin. Planet of the Apes. Look at him. Seriously. He looks like Cornelious."
Odelein to Barnaby: "He should take a look at his wife. She's God-awful to look at."
by RolliePollieKovy on Aug 11, 2010 12:48 PM EDT up reply actions
My 3C
is based on Kovalchuk being on the team, and Zubrus not as a Salary Cap casualty. I would prefer having a 3C that I know will produce what I expect, versus hoping/expecting a prospect to fill the role. I agree, they all need a chance at it, absolutely. But I dont want to force them to learn on the fly.
"Don't worry about my Cap." - Lou Lamoriello
I agree with that logic. While I think it’s good to throw them into the fire for some experience here and there, you don’t want to throw them into a situation where they need to succeed.
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