No way man...
- Iggysbff

No way to having Smid as Captain. Gagner would be fine. I could see Ference getting an A. But doesn't the Captain usually pick the A's?

Asap.

I wouldnt be surprised if theyre tryin as we speak.

Another 1 year contract isnt what he wants. But he'll take full advantage next year and most likely walk if he does.

Tough situation for mact
- hugefemale dog77

I actually think they would welcome a one year deal. Doubt they are trying to trade him at all.

No way to having Smid as Captain. Gagner would be fine. I could see Ference getting an A. But doesn't the Captain usually pick the A's?
- ChetManly

Depends on the team. Sometimes coaches, sometimes players vote.

Hmm....could I quote this?
- Colin Dambrauskas

Knock your self out...

I actually think they would welcome a one year deal. Doubt they are trying to trade him at all.
- Iggysbff

He goes ufa then.
After being rebuffed (most likely) twice on long term contracts and knowing hes been shopped, id say theres a very good chance he tests the free agent waters. Anyone would strongly consider it in that situation. Abd what if the oil have another brutal season?? Maybe he wants to go to a winner?

Of course theyd try and lock him up if he had a big season, but a year contract is a huge gamble. Theyd have to know this

He goes ufa then.
After being rebuffed (most likely) twice on long term contract and knowing hes been shopped, id say theres a very good chance he tests the free agent waters.

Of course theyd try and lock him up if he had a big season, but a year contract is a huge gamble. Theyd have to know this
- hugefemale dog77

i just personally think his work and play in the past 5 season warrants a long term contract. i hate to see him go since he wants to be here.

- Lahey

i just personally think his work and play in the past 5 season warrants a long term contract. i hate to see him go since he wants to be here.
- deks1

I fully agree!!! Isn't he turning 24 this year too? He is just about to get into his prime years. I'd be pissed if we lost him for nothing.

i just personally think his work and play in the past 5 season warrants a long term contract. i hate to see him go since he wants to be here.
- deks1

Fair enough

Richard Cloutier: Oh, I Don't Know
- Maxbone

Well at least you know something...

I fully agree!!! Isn't he turning 24 this year too? He is just about to get into his prime years. I'd be pissed if we lost him for nothing.
- ChetManly

Of course we dont wanna lose him for nothing.
If he goes to arbitration its a calculated risk by mact.

But Id rather sign him long term, or deal him. This way you're getting an asset no matter what

Well at least you know something...
- Nucker101

Of course we dont wanna lose him for nothing.
If he goes to arbitration its a calculated risk by mact.

But Id rather sign him long term, or deal him. This way you're getting an asset no matter what
- hugefemale dog77

Gagner chose to go to arbitration. Both sides want to get something done. Its just a negotiation. I would like to see him locked up for 5 years, but I don't think MacT is desperate to do it. Its a risk to let him get a one year deal yes. But if he wants to be here now they will get something done next year if he shows he is improving. You know Gagners agent is pushing him to arb so he has a chance to get him to UFA next year. If he wont sign next year again, then deal him then.

Ya never know whether the meds are just wearing off or just kicking in with Cloutier. Compelling, must-read blog though, not just because it comes out 3 times a day!

Depends on the team. Sometimes coaches, sometimes players vote.
- Iggysbff

I'd just prefer if we could have a captain that we know will stay captain for a long time. I hate how we keep switching it up every two years. Besides, we need the youth to show that they are the leaders of this team.

No way to having Smid as Captain. Gagner would be fine. I could see Ference getting an A. But doesn't the Captain usually pick the A's?
- ChetManly

It won't be Gags...

Gagner chose to go to arbitration. Both sides want to get something done. Its just a negotiation. I would like to see him locked up for 5 years, but I don't think MacT is desperate to do it. Its a risk to let him get a one year deal yes. But if he wants to be here now they will get something done next year if he shows he is improving. You know Gagners agent is pushing him to arb so he has a chance to get him to UFA next year. If he wont sign next year again, then deal him then.
- Iggysbff

Doesnt matter who's choice it was. They havent come to an agreement so it is what it is.
We cant trade him for a year if hes resigned through arb i thought.
And even if that meant before fa period, u get virtually nothing for someones rights. A middle to low pick is the standard,
Maybe im misunderstanding??

And of course he's gonna at least consider goin to free agency if it comes to that.
Who wouldnt? Especially considering factors like having a huge season, twice rebuffed on his contract desires, the oilers struggling again. Etc etc

As i said, big gamble.

Doesnt matter who's choice it was. They havent come to an agreement so it is what it is.
We cant trade him for a year if hes resigned through arb.
And even if that meant before fa period, u get virtually nothing for someones rights. A middle to low pick is the standard,
Maybe im misunderstanding??

And of course he's gonna at least consider goin to free agency if it comes to that.
Who wouldnt? Especially considering factors like having a huge season, twice rebuffed on his contract desires, the oilers struggling again. Etc etc

As i said, big gamble.
- hugefemale dog77

In the end, it's a fun coaster ride!

I don't know I see nothing about not being allowed to trade a player that goes to arbitration in the CBA

I don't know I see nothing about not being allowed to trade a player that goes to arbitration in the CBA
- Lahey

Yeah i dunno if thats fact. Read in a few posts though.
I suppose it is HB after all....

But even dismissing that, itd prob have to be an agreement from him to sign if we want anything of real value.
Or even at the TD, the buyers generally arent moving impact roster players, but picks/prospects instead

End of the day, u sign him to a 1 year, you're prob giving your franchise a 50/50 shot u lose said asset for way less than a deal now, or a long term contract

It won't be Gags...
- BigDre

i dont see how it can be anyone except for Hall. Admittedly I'm not a fan (duh), but the only one close is Eberle, and in my (outsiders) opinion Eberle doesnt have the same defensive willingness as Hall. I could be wrong but i dont think i am

I don't know I see nothing about not being allowed to trade a player that goes to arbitration in the CBA
- Lahey

Ya I thought there was but cant find anything on it either.

Top prospects, worst prospects, your own hilarious version of scouting reports. Comparing 2006 finals lineup to what we have now, other russian players we could try and bring over, picking how we compare to teams in our division. You and yost do your gm thing again.

Ideas for blogs. I have given you.
- freelancer

All of these ideas would require Cloutier do atleast a little research.