Bad Math

Well we have finally gotten somewhat of a reason why two important pieces of the Ducks remain unsigned. It appears that the combined contracts Hampus Lindholm and Rickard Rakell are asking for contracts that would put Anaheim over the league salary cap. That is trouble enough, but the Ducks internal cap is approximately five or so percent below what the NHL allows. Unfortunately, for GM Bob Murray the numbers just don't add up.

As reported by Bob McKenzie, Lindholm wants an eight year contract in the neighborhood of $48M or an average value of $6M. Murray on the other hand, would like to sign his defenseman to a long term deal at an average annual value (AAV) between $5M-$5.5M, which is in line with similar contracts given to Seth Jones and Mike Reilly.

As for Rakell, he would like a contract similar to Victor Rask, six years, $24M , an AAV of $4M. Anaheim is closer to a deal with him than it is with Lindholm. Even with modifications, the Ducks can't afford to sign both. Here are the numbers:

Current Cap: 73M
Ducks Internal Cap: apx. $69M
Current Payroll (w/o RFAs): $65.5
Difference: $3.5M

Earlier in the off-season most Ducks followers believed that both RFA could be resigned for $7.5-$8M combined. Now it looks more like $9M. That's a big difference if it wasn't planned for.

Now, Murray is up a creek. If he moves Fowler for a couple of puck and a can of beans instead of a left wing, he is still $1.5M over the internal cap. Provided Nate Thompson's $1.6M is covered by LTIR. Murray is at the cap. There is no help for the thin left side. Additionally, if one of the players in camp under a PTO plays well enough to earn a job, where does the money come from for a contract? The worst part of the dilemma is that if Anaheim is in contention down the stretch, they may not have enough room under the league cap to pick up an impact player.

The Access Road Puck Drop Series

A preseason contest against the Kings doesn't exactly scream urgency. During the regular season players such as Tyler Morely, Stu Bickel, Nate Guinin and Yann Denis won't be in an Anaheim uniform. Therefore a 6-1 loss shouldn't be a cause for concern.

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