GARTH'S CORNER: Subban Hold The Hammer

Like most other, they will get a deal done before going to arbitration. If by any chance it does not get done, Subban is a good as gone.

Subban is being pretty generous by asking for 8.5/yr. Bergevin should take this number and get his name signed on a long term deal. I feel as though Subban could have asked for 9 or 10/yr. This should be proof that he wants to stay there long term and not hinder the teams ability to sign players.

hammer?.....code?

One--no one seems to understand the nature of arbitration.

Two--Bergevin doesn't seriously think, for even one second, that he'll get Subban for the amount he offered.

Three--the purpose of the offer is to establish a floor from which the arbitrator can work, if necessary (it's not baseball, where, if memory serves, the arbitrator can only pick one of the two numbers).

Four--Bergevin clearly hopes that, in the event he cannot hammer out a deal before the arbitration, he can buy time to keep negotiating (hence the one-year option selected by the club).

Five--the importance of the offer/demand is oversold. Look at the Eller contract. The Habs paid more in AAV than Eller demanded, despite the fact they offered an even more "insulting" arbitration number, in percentage of previous salary, than what they've offered Subban.

Six--it is possible (unlikely, perhaps, but possible) that Bergevin is seeking, as a fall back position, as friendly a cap number as he can manage for next season because he has some sort of trade lined up that would require more room under the cap than what a long-term contract for Subban would allow for in the upcoming season, as the cap did not rise as highly as anticipated for 14-15.

Seven--not bringing back Gionta and Gorges does not constitute a "PR disaster" in Montreal. Each performed admirably for the Habs (for a good paycheque) and each will be important to the Sabres next season. However, neither of them are on the upswing in their careers and the Habs have youth that need roster room.

Subban will get his money and term, there will be no "insult" at the end of the day and all of this will be forgotten by next week.

Wow...were you having a bad day Garth? Why are you so uptight? Relax man, you sound like you're his agent!

Yes, I do believe that Subban has earned the right to wear the "C".

I would pay Subban whatever he wants. Good for business, and good for the team.

One--no one seems to understand the nature of arbitration.

Two--Bergevin doesn't seriously think, for even one second, that he'll get Subban for the amount he offered.

Three--the purpose of the offer is to establish a floor from which the arbitrator can work, if necessary (it's not baseball, where, if memory serves, the arbitrator can only pick one of the two numbers).

Four--Bergevin clearly hopes that, in the event he cannot hammer out a deal before the arbitration, he can buy time to keep negotiating (hence the one-year option selected by the club).

Five--the importance of the offer/demand is oversold. Look at the Eller contract. The Habs paid more in AAV than Eller demanded, despite the fact they offered an even more "insulting" arbitration number, in percentage of previous salary, than what they've offered Subban.

Six--it is possible (unlikely, perhaps, but possible) that Bergevin is seeking, as a fall back position, as friendly a cap number as he can manage for next season because he has some sort of trade lined up that would require more room under the cap than what a long-term contract for Subban would allow for in the upcoming season, as the cap did not rise as highly as anticipated for 14-15.

Seven--not bringing back Gionta and Gorges does not constitute a "PR disaster" in Montreal. Each performed admirably for the Habs (for a good paycheque) and each will be important to the Sabres next season. However, neither of them are on the upswing in their careers and the Habs have youth that need roster room.

Subban will get his money and term, there will be no "insult" at the end of the day and all of this will be forgotten by next week.
- Ovation

Very nice post

One--no one seems to understand the nature of arbitration.

Two--Bergevin doesn't seriously think, for even one second, that he'll get Subban for the amount he offered.

Three--the purpose of the offer is to establish a floor from which the arbitrator can work, if necessary (it's not baseball, where, if memory serves, the arbitrator can only pick one of the two numbers).

Four--Bergevin clearly hopes that, in the event he cannot hammer out a deal before the arbitration, he can buy time to keep negotiating (hence the one-year option selected by the club).

Five--the importance of the offer/demand is oversold. Look at the Eller contract. The Habs paid more in AAV than Eller demanded, despite the fact they offered an even more "insulting" arbitration number, in percentage of previous salary, than what they've offered Subban.

Six--it is possible (unlikely, perhaps, but possible) that Bergevin is seeking, as a fall back position, as friendly a cap number as he can manage for next season because he has some sort of trade lined up that would require more room under the cap than what a long-term contract for Subban would allow for in the upcoming season, as the cap did not rise as highly as anticipated for 14-15.

Seven--not bringing back Gionta and Gorges does not constitute a "PR disaster" in Montreal. Each performed admirably for the Habs (for a good paycheque) and each will be important to the Sabres next season. However, neither of them are on the upswing in their careers and the Habs have youth that need roster room.

Subban will get his money and term, there will be no "insult" at the end of the day and all of this will be forgotten by next week.
- Ovation

This

One--no one seems to understand the nature of arbitration.

Two--Bergevin doesn't seriously think, for even one second, that he'll get Subban for the amount he offered.

Three--the purpose of the offer is to establish a floor from which the arbitrator can work, if necessary (it's not baseball, where, if memory serves, the arbitrator can only pick one of the two numbers).

Four--Bergevin clearly hopes that, in the event he cannot hammer out a deal before the arbitration, he can buy time to keep negotiating (hence the one-year option selected by the club).

Five--the importance of the offer/demand is oversold. Look at the Eller contract. The Habs paid more in AAV than Eller demanded, despite the fact they offered an even more "insulting" arbitration number, in percentage of previous salary, than what they've offered Subban.

Six--it is possible (unlikely, perhaps, but possible) that Bergevin is seeking, as a fall back position, as friendly a cap number as he can manage for next season because he has some sort of trade lined up that would require more room under the cap than what a long-term contract for Subban would allow for in the upcoming season, as the cap did not rise as highly as anticipated for 14-15.

Seven--not bringing back Gionta and Gorges does not constitute a "PR disaster" in Montreal. Each performed admirably for the Habs (for a good paycheque) and each will be important to the Sabres next season. However, neither of them are on the upswing in their careers and the Habs have youth that need roster room.

Subban will get his money and term, there will be no "insult" at the end of the day and all of this will be forgotten by next week.
- Ovation

I knew it all the way when the news went out on RDS/TSN. False ideas about what is going on with the negociations. That's amazing how easy it is to tell how stupid people are gonna think.

Bang on sir on your evaluation of the situation. PK is going nowhere and will sign a new deal today. MB knows he has to pay what PK wants. He just tries to gain some thousands by negociating and it is just normal. And if some of us know it will cost more to sign PK on a long terms deal only next year, i bet MB knows it as well.

8 years 9M$ per??

Or 9,5M$??

Or whatever, it will get done today.

This whole Subban being "insulted" talk is ridiculous. Its like Toronto fans thinking they'll be getting Stamkos and now Subban. Give it a rest. He is going nowhere and he will be signed long term before the end of the week. Out of all the top Dmen in the league, he is easily the most marketable so if somehow Bergevin does blunder with fan favorite and Bruin killer Subban, I'd expect he gets the axe by Molson. Have a nice day.

This whole Subban being "insulted" talk is ridiculous. Its like Toronto fans thinking they'll be getting Stamkos and now Subban. Give it a rest. He is going nowhere and he will be signed long term before the end of the week. Out of all the top Dmen in the league, he is easily the most marketable so if somehow Bergevin does blunder with fan favorite and Bruin killer Subban, I'd expect he gets the axe by Molson. Have a nice day.
- habfanforever

hehehe No doubt he gets fired.

hehehe No doubt he gets fired.
- soad_live

The only thing I'm worried about is Moslos giving MB the benefit of the doubt. Houle set the team back 12 years when he traded Roy for scraps and he wasn't let go until 3 seasons later.

"The Habs opted to let his captain Brian Gionta skate to Buffalo on UFA day. Bergevin then traded away blood and guts D-man Josh Gorges. He can ill afford another PR blunder by mishandling Subban next contract. Yes, I do believe that Subban has earned the right to wear the "C". "

????, Gionta asked to much for what he can do now and Gorges was paid way to much and was not needed when he got hurt last season. I think Bergevin is doing a fine job and is making Subban see that Markov' contract is a fair starting point for a contract points-wise. Where he will give more money IN THE NEGOCIATION PROCESS will be for the rest of what PK brings (physical presence and leadership).

So in the end PK will have a contract worth 8 to 8,5 a season for 8 years. Right now he is asking that for a one year contract ... what do you think he is asking for an 8 year one? Its should be above 9 millions a season and it's on that point that Bergevin is giving a 1 year 5,25 million contract.

Anyway there is a reason HE is the GM and not us.

"The Habs opted to let his captain Brian Gionta skate to Buffalo on UFA day. Bergevin then traded away blood and guts D-man Josh Gorges. He can ill afford another PR blunder by mishandling Subban next contract. Yes, I do believe that Subban has earned the right to wear the "C". "

????, Gionta asked to much for what he can do now and Gorges was paid way to much and was not needed when he got hurt last season. I think Bergevin is doing a fine job and is making Subban see that Markov' contract is a fair starting point for a contract points-wise. Where he will give more money IN THE NEGOCIATION PROCESS will be for the rest of what PK brings (physical presence and leadership).

So in the end PK will have a contract worth 8 to 8,5 a season for 8 years. Right now he is asking that for a one year contract ... what do you think he is asking for an 8 year one? Its should be above 9 millions a season and it's on that point that Bergevin is giving a 1 year 5,25 million contract.

Anyway there is a reason HE is the GM and not us.
- Hemeros

I agree with everything you said except Gorges being overpaid. For what he brings, his cap hit is a bargain compared to other dmen of his caliber.

One thing people seem to forget when they say that Subban's 8.5M is very reasonable is that he is requesting that amount for 1 RFA year.

Nobody is saying he asking for a number even close to this for the following UFA years. That is probably the reason why a long term contract isn't signed yet.

It is just like the Eller signing. Bergevin was offering 1.5M for the RFA year (vs the 3.1M requested) but had no problem signing 4 years for 3.5 AAV. The deal specified 2.5 for 2 RFA years, 4.5 for 2 UFA years.

So from that 8.5M number, I wouldn't be surprised if Subban was currently asking for much more for a long term contract, maybe more than 10/y. This could also be a bet from him and his agent to get a 1 year deal, to sign a much more lucrative contract next summer after the next cap increase (and maybe then ask 12/y )

Hopefully this is not a case of "the damage has already been done." Sure, there are tactics when it comes to negotiating, but the way Bergevin is handling Subban is very perplexing. I'd like to believe Molson has already spoke with Be GM and had informed/ordered Marc to sign Subban long term before it gets to arbitration. The Hab's brass have to know that they cannot win an ran case vs. Subban, one Wouk have to think. My question is, why go through these negative motions and taint their relationship with P.K.?

Hopefully this is not a case of "the damage has already been done." Sure, there are tactics when it comes to negotiating, but the way Bergevin is handling Subban is very perplexing. I'd like to believe Molson has already spoke with Be GM and had informed/ordered Marc to sign Subban long term before it gets to arbitration. The Hab's brass have to know that they cannot win an ran case vs. Subban, one Wouk have to think. My question is, why go through these negative motions and taint their relationship with P.K.?
- ativanman33

Frig spellcheck!

One--no one seems to understand the nature of arbitration.

Two--Bergevin doesn't seriously think, for even one second, that he'll get Subban for the amount he offered.

Three--the purpose of the offer is to establish a floor from which the arbitrator can work, if necessary (it's not baseball, where, if memory serves, the arbitrator can only pick one of the two numbers).

Four--Bergevin clearly hopes that, in the event he cannot hammer out a deal before the arbitration, he can buy time to keep negotiating (hence the one-year option selected by the club).

Five--the importance of the offer/demand is oversold. Look at the Eller contract. The Habs paid more in AAV than Eller demanded, despite the fact they offered an even more "insulting" arbitration number, in percentage of previous salary, than what they've offered Subban.

Six--it is possible (unlikely, perhaps, but possible) that Bergevin is seeking, as a fall back position, as friendly a cap number as he can manage for next season because he has some sort of trade lined up that would require more room under the cap than what a long-term contract for Subban would allow for in the upcoming season, as the cap did not rise as highly as anticipated for 14-15.

Seven--not bringing back Gionta and Gorges does not constitute a "PR disaster" in Montreal. Each performed admirably for the Habs (for a good paycheque) and each will be important to the Sabres next season. However, neither of them are on the upswing in their careers and the Habs have youth that need roster room.

Subban will get his money and term, there will be no "insult" at the end of the day and all of this will be forgotten by next week.
- Ovation

You sir understand this business. I was looking for this kind of comment after reading this ridiculous blog.

The simple fact that Bergy didn't just give a blank check to Subban, as this guy clearly got mad over, is the reason why I think he's doing a good job. Yes Subban will get paid the fair amount...

As for Georges and Gionta's case, It was the right thing to do.

This whole Subban being "insulted" talk is ridiculous. Its like Toronto fans thinking they'll be getting Stamkos and now Subban. Give it a rest. He is going nowhere and he will be signed long term before the end of the week. Out of all the top Dmen in the league, he is easily the most marketable so if somehow Bergevin does blunder with fan favorite and Bruin killer Subban, I'd expect he gets the axe by Molson. Have a nice day.
- habfanforever

No one mentioned Toronto. This is a Sabre blog. Calm your tits. It's nothing like Toronto fans thinking they'll be getting Stamkos.

No one mentioned Toronto. This is a Sabre blog. Calm your tits. It's nothing like Toronto fans thinking they'll be getting Stamkos.
- twiztedmike

Fitzgerald of the National Post wrote an article titled "Montreal Canadiens’ P.K. Subban talks about playing in Toronto and Don Cherry’s antics" and 90% of Leaf fans ate it up so ya, it is exactly like the Stamkos thing.

I think a long term deal gets done eventually . Both sides are just posturing to get free press . You know what they say . Any press is good press . Just make sure they spell your name right !

Fitzgerald of the National Post wrote an article titled "Montreal Canadiens’ P.K. Subban talks about playing in Toronto and Don Cherry’s antics" and 90% of Leaf fans ate it up so ya, it is exactly like the Stamkos thing.
- habfanforever

Its purely to drive hits just like Garth's blogs

Garth - Good article. I couldn't agree with you any more.