Which is why they are probably pondering signing both to double digit cap hits.

They also have Saad to pay for.
- sbroads24

And Hossa until he's like 47

It isn't idiotic at all. There's a practical reason: tanking. You're assuming he's going to earn a roster spot right now. He might not. And yes, not burning a year of his contract when your team is going to suck should be a consideration.
- RDRoach16

How does that Benefit Reinhart?

You need bridge contracts for your superstars. Crosby and Malkin were too damn good and the Penguins never had that luxury. Chicago is going to find out after this season what its like to not have a bridge contract cap hit for Toews/Kane
- Ryan_Wilson

I wouldn't exactly call the $6 mil they've been making a "bridge" contract. That was fair market value for them at the time it was signed. Salaries have just continued to increase is all.

You need bridge contracts for your superstars. Crosby and Malkin were too damn good and the Penguins never had that luxury. Chicago is going to find out after this season what its like to not have a bridge contract cap hit for Toews/Kane
- Ryan_Wilson

Not to nitpick put they are coming off a relative bridge deals.

Compared to what Crosby and Malkin got.

They went from 850k to 8.7 and 984k to 8.7 compared to 875k to 6.3 and 850k to 6.3.

Correct on all accounts, but you have to admit if those salary demands are true then Toews and Kane are being selfish and unreasonable. There is no reason each could not take something with around an ~$8MM cap hit to help keep that team together.

It still does not discount that Crosby is this leagues best player, but the penguins lack depth. CHI/LA are the leagues premier teams top to bottom and have won 4 of the last 5.
- ImThatGuy

Kane and Toews owe it to themselves to sign for the most money any team will give them.

Using Malkin and Crosby's deals as examples, two superstars taking less than market value to stay together or with a certain team doesn't guarantee multiple cups. Although I would find it hard to imagine the Pens never making it to the finals again with those two

Correct on all accounts, but you have to admit if those salary demands are true then Toews and Kane are being selfish and unreasonable. There is no reason each could not take something with around an ~$8MM cap hit to help keep that team together.

It still does not discount that Crosby is this leagues best player, but the penguins lack depth. CHI/LA are the leagues premier teams top to bottom and have won 4 of the last 5.
- ImThatGuy

They deserve that money. It isn't selfish. Its up to the GM to figure out how to construct the team. They are athletes with a finite window to cash in on. They shouldn't be criticized for doing so.

And Hossa until he's like 47
- RDRoach16

or 42.....

Not to nitpick put they are coming off a relative bridge deals.

Compared to what Crosby and Malkin got.

They went from 850k to 8.7 and 984k to 8.7 compared to 875k to 6.3 and 850k to 6.3.
- dadeadhead

That is an extra 6M to work with, and they use that extra 6M well.

From last blurb...


A) Find me the last 1-2 pick that was sent back to juniors

B) I know who Eichel and McDavid are trust me. i think you shoud research who is after them. You will be more than surprised. Top 10 pick in that draft and you have a player to build around.

C) Crosby best player - 1 cup. LA/CHI most complete teams - 4 cups of the last 5. You need the best team, not the best player.
- ImThatGuy

Monkey see monkey do. Around here we make decisions based on what's best for this organization, not based on how other clubs handle their players.

I don't care how good a kid is, another yr in juniors isn't going to "ruin" any 18 yr old kid. If anything, its likely to add longevity & confidence to that career because the kid isn't getting pushed around like Grigorenko did.

Plus, you start the player's pro contract a yr later and get that extra yr of term with him when he's closer to his prime.





And doggin the Pens? Geeze, just listen to yourself...

"Crosby only 1 Cup even tho his team is in playoffs every yr. "

LoLz. Duuude, that's the goal here! Win a Cup & make the playoffs every season!!

Which is why they are probably pondering signing both to double digit cap hits.

They also have Saad to pay for.
- sbroads24

Zero percent chance that either of them signs somewhere else. Chicago will pay them. You have to pay your top talent. You can find your value signings in the bottom 6, it isn't that hard if you look at the right things. Pittsburgh just watched all their dead weight disappear and signed capable guys dirt cheap.

That is an extra 6M to work with, and they use that extra 6M well.
- Ryan_Wilson

My point exactly.

850k to 6.3 mil to prob in the ballpark of 11 mil

Zero percent chance that either of them signs somewhere else. Chicago will pay them. You have to pay your top talent. You can find your value signings in the bottom 6, it isn't that hard if you look at the right things. Pittsburgh just watched all their dead weight disappear and signed capable guys dirt cheap.
- Ryan_Wilson

I'd put it at 5%. IMO it all depends on Kane's ego.

Joe Thornton for Evander Kane.

Just a hunch a trade like this happens
- sbroads24

No way Thornton waves no trade to go to Winnipeg.

Zero percent chance that either of them signs somewhere else. Chicago will pay them. You have to pay your top talent. You can find your value signings in the bottom 6, it isn't that hard if you look at the right things. Pittsburgh just watched all their dead weight disappear and signed capable guys dirt cheap.
- Ryan_Wilson

I would say there is probably 0% either walks, but I can see them realistically thinking twice about what those two are demanding. Toews is a Hawk for life, Kane I'm not so sure. Buffalo bias aside, one dimensional wingers should never make what he's about to sign for (or demanding)

Just look at what a difference quality depth can do for a team.

No way Thornton waves no trade to go to Winnipeg.
- Maximum Signal

Tru. Joe loves SJ.

They deserve that money. It isn't selfish. Its up to the GM to figure out how to construct the team. They are athletes with a finite window to cash in on. They shouldn't be criticized for doing so.
- Ryan_Wilson

They may have that finite window, but stop telling me its not about the individual accomplishments and money if you are going to demand that kind of deal.

When is enough, enough money wise?

We will agree to disagree here, I assume.

Tru. Joe loves SJ.
- SuperCat

Wasn't it said he's only waive for Detroit or Rangers or did I not read that somewhere?

They may have that finite window, but stop telling me its not about the individual accomplishments and money if you are going to demand that kind of deal.

When is enough, enough money wise?

We will agree to disagree here, I assume.
- ImThatGuy

They can't let Kane walk for nothing. They either pay him or move him for a haul.

My best guess is sign and trade.

I would say there is probably 0% either walks, but I can see them realistically thinking twice about what those two are demanding. Toews is a Hawk for life, Kane I'm not so sure. Buffalo bias aside, one dimensional wingers should never make what he's about to sign for (or demanding)

Just look at what a difference quality depth can do for a team.
- sbroads24

Depth can be acquired on the cheap. Patrick Kane's of the world can't. You have to pay the guys that can do things that nobody else can do.

Don't fall in love with average hockey players and pay them big money (Dave Bolland and soon to be Brandon Sutter). There is always a replacement for those kinds of guys.

They can't let Kane walk for nothing. They either pay him or move him for a haul.

My best guess is sign and trade.
- dadeadhead

Well, they do have this year to get it all figured out still. It's not like they have to before the season starts. Though I don't know that they want it looming over their heads all season.

Monkey see monkey do. Around here we make decisions based on what's best for this organization, not based on how other clubs handle their players.

I don't care how good a kid is, another yr in juniors isn't going to "ruin" any 18 yr old kid. If anything, its likely to add longevity & confidence to that career because the kid isn't getting pushed around like Grigorenko did.

Plus, you start the player's pro contract a yr later and get that extra yr of term with him when he's closer to his prime.





And dogging the Pens? Geeze, just listen to yourself...

"Crosby only 1 Cup even tho his team is in playoffs every yr. "

LoLz. Duuude, that's the goal here! Win a Cup & make the playoffs every season!!
- SuperCat

Not dogging the Pens, They have won 1 cup. I guess we should be like SJ then, they never miss the playoffs?

The goal is to win the cup, you do that by having the best team, that may not include (Facts back that up) the best player.

Depth can be acquired on the cheap. Patrick Kane's of the world can't. You have to pay the guys that can do things that nobody else can do.

Don't fall in love with average hockey players and pay them big money (Dave Bolland and soon to be Brandon Sutter). There is always a replacement for those kinds of guys.
- Ryan_Wilson

I like Sutter but at no more than 3.5 per. He's a 3rd line center and at times a very good one.

Well, they do have this year to get it all figured out still. It's not like they have to before the season starts. Though I don't know that they want it looming over their heads all season.
- HonkFortheGoose

Nope like I said my best guess is they give Kane what he wants and is then moved for a haul.

They can't let Kane walk for nothing. They either pay him or move him for a haul.

My best guess is sign and trade.
- dadeadhead

darcy disagrees

I like Sutter but at no more than 3.5 per. He's a 3rd line center and at times a very good one.
- dadeadhead

And so is Marcel Goc for 1.2M