Jon Jordan ‏@JonJordan
Call me when Minnesota wins the Cup. (Never call me.)

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Zing!

I think this is the best possible scenario for the Rangers. The Devils have been weakened by this. The Pens didn't add Parise, which I personally thought was were he would sign. And the Flyers didn't add the defensemen that they needed.

I am assuming that the Flyers and Rangers will both be in on Nash still, but I think the pressure is less on both teams to land him, because the Pens haven't gottent significantly better (at least yet), and the Devils have been hurt.
- Pete V

Bad for the league, overall though. These absolutely absurd contracts, length and monetarily, are going to end the NHL for good.

Both very good players but by no means are they top five in their respective positions.

Parise might be a top five wing, perhaps, but I can name two defenseman on the Rangers better than Suter; not to mention around the entire league.

The Wild, what a fitting moniker for a team that did exactly that during this free agency period.

The best bang-for-the-buck signing they made was Zenon Kanopka.

Bad for the league, overall though. These absolutely absurd contracts, length and monetarily, are going to end the NHL for good.

Both very good players but by no means are they top five in their respective positions.

Parise might be a top five wing, perhaps, but I can name two defenseman on the Rangers better than Suter; not to mention around the entire league.

The Wild, what a fitting moniker for a team that did exactly that during this free agency period.

The best bang-for-the-buck signing they made was Zenon Kanopka.


- MidnightMarauder

Can you imagine how much mactruck is gonna get?

Bad for the league, overall though. These absolutely absurd contracts, length and monetarily, are going to end the NHL for good.

Both very good players but by no means are they top five in their respective positions.

Parise might be a top five wing, perhaps, but I can name two defenseman on the Rangers better than Suter; not to mention around the entire league.

The Wild, what a fitting moniker for a team that did exactly that during this free agency period.

The best bang-for-the-buck signing they made was Zenon Kanopka.


- MidnightMarauder

Neither one is in the East so it's A-OK with me. I figured Parise would get that money but just think what Weber and other D in the league can ask for as UFA's using Suter's deal as a comparable. Maybe the new CBA will curb these types of contracts.

Bad for the league, overall though. These absolutely absurd contracts, length and monetarily, are going to end the NHL for good.

Both very good players but by no means are they top five in their respective positions.

Parise might be a top five wing, perhaps, but I can name two defenseman on the Rangers better than Suter; not to mention around the entire league.

The Wild, what a fitting moniker for a team that did exactly that during this free agency period.

The best bang-for-the-buck signing they made was Zenon Kanopka.


- MidnightMarauder

I agree with you about Suter. He is a very good defenseman, but I certaintly would categorize him as great.

There is a lesson to be learned from this boys. When you good young defensemen are RFAs, lock them up long-term, even if you have to pay them a little more than you want to. Much in the same way that the Rangers did with Girardi and Staal. Because if these guys even sniff the open market, the prices for UFA defensemen always have been, and continue to be, absurd.

Test case one is Del Zotto. Pay him a bit of a premium, but lock him for as many years as you can. Same with McDonagh. Of course, their agents will have a say in all of this, but you can convince guys to sign longer term if you pay them somewhat of a premium to do it.

Neither one is in the East so it's A-OK with me. I figured Parise would get that money but just think what Weber and other D in the league can ask for as UFA's using Suter's deal as a comparable. Maybe the new CBA will curb these types of contracts.
- gkmkiller

Yea I remember reading somewhere that they wanted to limit the contract length to 6 years...if that is true and happens, that should help stop these type of deals

Can you imagine how much mactruck is gonna get?
- TrueBlue9182

Well, they either need to lock him up now or hope the CBA provides for some limit on these deals. Doubt that will happen so sign him to a 15-year deal worth $75 million today Slats.

I agree with you about Suter. He is a very good defenseman, but I certaintly would categorize him as great.

There is a lesson to be learned from this boys. When you good young defensemen are RFAs, lock them up long-term, even if you have to pay them a little more than you want to. Much in the same way that the Rangers did with Girardi and Staal. Because if these guys even sniff the open market, the prices for UFA defensemen always have been, and continue to be, absurd.

Test case one is Del Zotto. Pay him a bit of a premium, but lock him for as many years as you can. Same with McDonagh. Of course, their agents will have a say in all of this, but you can convince guys to sign longer term if you pay them somewhat of a premium to do it.
- Pete V

Exactly, I remember making these comments during the Staal deal. While you may be overpaying the first couple of years....the last couple years of the deal could be a bargain.

With the way UFA's get paid, it is definelty worth to bite the bullet a bit earlier in the deal.

The price for Nash and Ryan just spiked...

Exactly, I remember making these comments during the Staal deal. While you may be overpaying the first couple of years....the last couple years of the deal could be a bargain.

With the way UFA's get paid, it is definelty worth to bite the bullet a bit earlier in the deal.
- TPC

Maybe I'm off here, but I see alot more bust type UFA contracts with defensemen. It seems like teams always need defense, and will overpay in the open market to bring it in, because there is less of a supply of good defensemen. Hence, why a 2nd or 3rd pair defender like Dennis Widman got north of $5 million per year. There is more supply out there when it comes to forward, and hence, while the prices can still be absurd, can you usually find a decent price contact. Hell, I don't even think Brad Richards contract is that bad compared to some of what we have seen.

The price for Nash and Ryan just spiked...
- airjan23

If they were going to be Rangers I think it would have happened by now. With more teams in the hunt, your right the price will spike. Rangers weren't willing to pay the initial price. No way they get into a bidding war.

I hope Plans C through H actually exist

Maybe I'm off here, but I see alot more bust type UFA contracts with defensemen. It seems like teams always need defense, and will overpay in the open market to bring it in, because there is less of a supply of good defensemen. Hence, why a 2nd or 3rd pair defender like Dennis Widman got north of $5 million per year. There is more supply out there when it comes to forward, and hence, while the prices can still be absurd, can you usually find a decent price contact. Hell, I don't even think Brad Richards contract is that bad compared to some of what we have seen.
- Pete V

Yea I agree. And Richards deal was set up to be a 6 year deal with the last 3 having an easier buy out number. I don't mind the Richards deal at all. In the end Parise and Sutters deal might be structured the same way. It will be interesting to see.

The price for Nash and Ryan just spiked...
- airjan23

How so? Two of the most prominent members on his approved list of teams -- the Flyers and the Rangers -- now have less incentive to offer up major assets, because Parise signed out of conference, instead of with a division or even conference rival. I just don't see the Red Wings being a big player for Nash. Their blueline, as it stands right now, sucks, and they need to focus their assets on helping the blueline.

Although maybe Pittsburgh gets into the bidding for Nash now.

But I'm curious, why do you think the price for Nash has spiked?

How so? Two of the most prominent members on his approved list of teams -- the Flyers and the Rangers -- now have less incentive to offer up major assets, because Parise signed out of conference, instead of with a division or even conference rival. I just don't see the Red Wings being a big player for Nash. Their blueline, as it stands right now, sucks, and they need to focus their assets on helping the blueline.

Although maybe Pittsburgh gets into the bidding for Nash now.

But I'm curious, why do you think the price for Nash has spiked?
- Pete V

I am not going to answer for Jan, but I think his list is going to expand. Howson seems to have a firm stance on asking price. Nash is going to realize eventually if he wants out of Columubs he is going to have to expand his list just a bit. I think some of those other teams (Chicago, Ottawa, Carolina) if added to the list are desperate enough to meet his demands.

Aaron Portzline ‏@Aportzline
Confirmed today Pittsburgh is on Rick Nash's "approved" list. So #NYR, #Flyers, #RedWings, #SJSharks, #PghPenguins. Could be 1-2 others.

i think a trade happens soon. like within 24 hours soon.

One of the headlines on ESPN.com is that the Knicks are in on Nash. Apparently, Howson got word, and is demanding Carmelo and Stoudamire in return.

Aaron Portzline ‏@Aportzline
Confirmed today Pittsburgh is on Rick Nash's "approved" list. So #NYR, #Flyers, #RedWings, #SJSharks, #PghPenguins. Could be 1-2 others.

i think a trade happens soon. like within 24 hours soon.
- rangerdanger94

End of the work week, at the latest. I like Doan as a backup plan though.

Aaron Portzline ‏@Aportzline
Confirmed today Pittsburgh is on Rick Nash's "approved" list. So #NYR, #Flyers, #RedWings, #SJSharks, #PghPenguins. Could be 1-2 others.

i think a trade happens soon. like within 24 hours soon.
- rangerdanger94

Unless he is blow away by an offer, I think Howson waits a few weeks. He is going to want to analyze all the deals/hope Nash expands his list. I am sure his phone will be ringing off the hook though in the next 24 hours

One of the headlines on ESPN.com is that the Knicks are in on Nash. Apparently, Howson got word, and is demanding Carmelo and Stoudamire in return.
- Pete V

If both Nash's did come to New York, would they meet the media together?

Aaron Portzline ‏@Aportzline
Confirmed today Pittsburgh is on Rick Nash's "approved" list. So #NYR, #Flyers, #RedWings, #SJSharks, #PghPenguins. Could be 1-2 others.

i think a trade happens soon. like within 24 hours soon.
- rangerdanger94

Pens would really f themselves royally with that contract. I would love it. Lets all spend half our cap on 3 players.

Unless he is blow away by an offer, I think Howson waits a few weeks. He is going to want to analyze all the deals/hope Nash expands his list. I am sure his phone will be ringing off the hook though in the next 24 hours

- TPC

I wonder if teams are even bothering to contact Teemu Selanne, or is it just assumed that he'll sign with the Ducks or noone?

I wonder if teams are even bothering to contact Teemu Selanne, or is it just assumed that he'll sign with the Ducks or noone?
- Pete V

I would kick the tires but think he said he will go back to Anaheim

Pens would really f themselves royally with that contract. I would love it. Lets all spend half our cap on 3 players.
- GioRock

Do the Pens have the horses to get a Nash deal done? They are a great team, but they're top heavy. What NHL players would the Penguins trade for him? And I think the Rangers can certaintly match them from a prospect perspective.

I wonder if teams are even bothering to contact Teemu Selanne, or is it just assumed that he'll sign with the Ducks or noone?
- Pete V

I figured it was the Ducks or retirement. But after seeing this market, just like Jagr, maybe he looks to see what teams are willing to pay.

I would kick the tires but think he said he will go back to Anaheim
- airjan23

Or maybe he signs with Dallas. They need to sign another 40 year old.