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You can read the last article regarding NHL free agents here
Whilst perusing the vacuum of information that is hockey news right now, I stumbled upon the above nugget from pro hockey rumors. In essence, players who are hitting free agency looking for a raise may be in for an unpleasant surprise. A stagnant cap, or even worse a recessed cap, would cause serious issues for many teams. I’ve discussed a bit the number of contracts that are coming up (see above) as well as Detroit’s space. Detroit currently has 11 players signed in the Majors with 46 million committed. A stagnant cap would give them 35 million. However, Zetterberg has one more year and on LTIR, the number could go down a bit more. Let’s stick with 46 million for now. IF the league offers compliance buyouts, I assume Abdelkader and Nielsen would be bought out. That would take the roster down to 9 players at 36.5 million. Almost 44 million in cap space. Mantha and Bertuzzi will possibly take up a combined 12, so 48.5 million at 11 again. Say Fabbri comes back at 4 million, 52.5 for 12 players. Assuming that Rasmussen, Seider, Smith and Cholowski all start in Detroit (not impossible) they are all at under 1 million. 16 players for around 56.6 million. If Veleno comes up, 17 players at 57.5 million. Only about 6 players short with 23 million in space. Svechnikov will probably get qualified, 18 players at around 60 million. You still need a goalie (possible Petruzzeli goes to GR and Larsson, Pickard or Fulcher gets a shot) again, at around 1 million. 19 players at 61 million. 20 million for 4 contracts. IF Detroit picks higher than 4th, there’s a chance that young asset could start in the bigs on their entry level. 20 players at 62.5 million. Almost 20 million for 3 spots...
Now, the last thing Yzerman needs to do is overpay for a Free Agent. HOWEVER, taking a bad contract along with a first rounder? Maybe. The Rangers have 67 million committed to 15 players. Even if they do a buyout or 2, they may need help and they have 2 first rounders. Does Brendan Smith find his way back to Grand Rapids via waivers? St Louis only has 10 million in space and they need to sign 6 players, including Pietrangelo. Would Yzerman take on Schenn’s 6.5 mil or Jake Allen’s 4.35 mil to get a first? I would.
Unfortunately, many teams have gotten rid of their first rounders already. Toronto, who desperately need space, don’t have a first or a third. Would they consider buying out Tavares? Probably not, but I won’t be the only one to wonder. All of a sudden 40 million in 4 forwards looks even worse somehow. Arizona is also near the ceiling and without a first. Would they deal prospects for some relief? It’s wide open right now and for the first time in decades, Detroit has ample wiggle room financially. Yzerman is savvy and has held off on re signing nearly 20 players. Swap an RFA for a defenseman and a pick? Oddly, having very little in the cupboards right now is potentially the highest form of currency.
Take a swing, make some deals. Could Detroit get a top for Dman (over priced) along with a draft pick for the cost of some cap space? Possibly a Jake Allen type goalie? A couple moves like that could help a lot. Let me know your thoughts.
Just for fun, I did a 48 second version of “Ode to Joy… on guitar. Enjoy it! Ode to Joy