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Calgary has players that want to leave. Several whose contracts are expiring and the closer the deadline gets the fewer the options. I don’t blame fans for being upset and wanting huge return but, John Tavares. If he could walk away, pretty much anyone can walk away.
Cap Friendly shows Detroit as having around 5 million in cap space with a projected 4.4 million. Not a ton of money, but one of only 12 teams with 1 million or more in cap space (a couple have LTIR that significantly boosts the space). Regardless, I’m expecting around 1 to 2 million in a boost just because of inflation and bonus situations. The NHLPA are getting more vocal about not paying more escrow and the system is against a wall. Canadian teams
have to pay 37 more cents
On the US Dollar right now. Player salaries are all paid based on US currency. So teams north of the border have to come up with a third more income and it’s taking a toll. Very quietly TSN laid off 1700 workers and cancelled Leaf’s Lunch after last season. That’s a red flag.
All that being said, Detroit is going to have to make decisions. Seider (I believe) will get paid. Raymond will probably do 3 or 4 years. Here’s a list of expiring contracts for Detroit and thoughts on if they’ll stay or be moved (or simply go unsigned). Just focusing on UFAs with the club right now.
David Perron - valuable on the power play, good at puck battles on the half wall. The veteran still has the ability to be a playmaker, but the 4.75m hit would have to change for him to stay.
Daniel Sprong - he has a fantastic shot, is only 26 and currently getting 2m from Detroit. Will probably want a bump in pay but is a player I could see them extending.
Christian Fischer - making just over 1 million this depth forward is a bit of a coin toss. If anyone on an ELC can take the spot, it may be time for him to move on.
Austin Czarnik - 30, makes less than 800k. Unless “the kids” really can’t handle his role, I don’t know that Yzerman brings him back.
Shane Gostisbehere- 30 and making 4.125m. Really good on the power play. I think the team will want to keep him if the price is right.
James Reimer - currently the top goalie. If Detroit isn’t sure they can make it or it’s going to be close, he could be flipped at the deadline.
Well, there you are. Let me know your thoughts and what you think we’ll see in terms of exits. There’s a lot of buzz about Kane, but Florida is trying to clear money off the books to try and get him. We also don’t know how that resurfacing is going to heal. He’s “not taking a discount” the last that I heard. That said, never say never.
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