If he played 15 minutes a game 5 years ago, you think he would have handled it the same way he handled it this year? He got Bruce fired because he held him off the ice. Under Hunter he changed a little. Can't expect him to do a 180 over night but Hunter left on his own terms, not because of Ovechkin.
- Unholy_Goalie

How did he handle it this year? He did the respectful thing and kept his mouth shut in front of the cameras, but I still see a head coach stepping down and I don't buy the reason he's giving.

Yup, and I think it's also an indication that the league is so tight and there are so many talented guys that there isn't a small group of guys that tower of the league year after year like a Gretzky or Lemieux. Which is great, because no one is a huge favourite.
- Zezel

Thank Buttman and his Refs for such a "tight" league.

You think Pit will sign both Crosby and Staal to 15 year retirement contracts? Both those guys are young so that's the only way they'll get a break on the cap hit.

If Staal signs a 4, 5 or 6 year contract I'd say 6-7 is the range depending on what happens in the new CBA.

Give Crosby the 15 yr deal and Staal a shorter term (or trade him) and wait to see what happens with Malkin.
- The Law

The only guy they would give a retirement contract to is Crosby because he means everything to that franchise and their fans. Even if they never win a Cup again, Crosby keeps that arena filled.

Staal would get a shorter contract because this is his 2nd contract. He's 24 this year so maybe close to a 6 year deal at 36 million. Keeps his cap hit at 6 or less and they keep him until he's 30.

I've always thought that Malkin was the guy they would eventually trade if and when they needed to do it. Given that Columbus is trying to rebuild and offload Nash, I'd look at them as a good trading partner. You keep Malkin in the opposite conference, get a winger for Crosby, plus A LOT more to bridge the value gap between Nash and Malkin. Plus, they keep Staal.

How did he handle it this year? He did the respectful thing and kept his mouth shut in front of the cameras, but I still see a head coach stepping down and I don't buy the reason he's giving.
- Leafland

It was known, from day one, that Hunter was temporary. You're way off base suggesting that Ovechkin wanted him out. Hunter did that on his own.

Yup, and I think it's also an indication that the league is so tight and there are so many talented guys that there isn't a small group of guys that tower of the league year after year like a Gretzky or Lemieux. Which is great, because no one is a huge favourite.
- Zezel

There is still a small group of players that dominate the league. The difference is that there are more teams and the talent is diluted so they can sell the illusion of competitiveness.

I5-2500k CPU
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cooler master 212+ heatsink.

Anybody have an opinion?

I just read it today and thought it'd be an interesting discussion, considering the way salaries are escalating, its certainly not that crazy to think he could command 7 mill.
- robin_steele264

Salary or cap hit?

A 7 million dollar cap hit is crazy. If he gets that, either there is a dumbass GM out there or somebody who is extremely desperate. Career high of 29 goals and 50 points with a 7 million dollar cap hit? Insanity.

It was known, from day one, that Hunter was temporary. You're way off base suggesting that Ovechkin wanted him out. Hunter did that on his own.
- Unholy_Goalie

It was known, but I won't stop believing that Ovenchicken wasn't upset by the temp coach cutting him down during their cup run. The only credit I give Ovechokekin is that he handled it well while they were still playing.

Salary or cap hit?

A 7 million dollar cap hit is crazy. If he gets that, either there is a dumbass GM out there or somebody who is extremely desperate. Career high of 29 goals and 50 points gets 7 million per year? Insanity.
- Unholy_Goalie

On a short term deal cap hit vs. salary won't matter .....if Grabo is 5.5 I gotta think Staal gets atleast 6 ....so 7 isn't too far off. UFAgency is where it's at.

I don't think Pitt would give it to him ...but some team(s) might ...and he and his agent probably know it.

Salary or cap hit?

A 7 million dollar cap hit is crazy. If he gets that, either there is a dumbass GM out there or somebody who is extremely desperate. Career high of 29 goals and 50 points with a 7 million dollar cap hit? Insanity.
- Unholy_Goalie

Cap hit, I dont think it'd be a problem for him to get that on the open market.

But who knows... like I said, when Guys like Grabo and Hemsky get 5+ mill, it drives the market up.

Cap hit, I dont think it'd be a problem for him to get that on the open market.

But who knows... like I said, when Guys like Grabo and Hemsky get 5+ mill, it drives the market up.
- robin_steele264

On a short term deal cap hit vs. salary won't matter .....if Grabo is 5.5 I gotta think Staal gets atleast 6 ....so 7 isn't too far off. UFAgency is where it's at.

I don't think Pitt would give it to him ...but some team(s) might ...and he and his agent probably know it.
- The Law

You guys should know by now that offensive numbers is what gets players the pay day. With a career high of 29 goals and 50 points, Staal is not getting a cap hit of 7 million dollars unless somebody out there is a complete moron or extremely desperate. And that's all assuming the Penguins let him hit the open market and/or that Staal doesn't want to stay with the Penguins.

Richards and Toews are the best comparable players and their cap hits is 5.75 and 6.3 million. And they both score more than Staal does.

You guys should know by now that offensive numbers is what gets players the pay day. With a career high of 29 goals and 50 points, Staal is not getting a cap hit of 7 million dollars unless somebody out there is a complete moron or extremely desperate. And that's all assuming the Penguins let him hit the open market and/or that Staal doesn't want to stay with the Penguins.

Richards and Toews are the best comparable players and their cap hits is 5.75 and 6.3 million. And they both score more than Staal does.
- Unholy_Goalie

50 points in 62 games.

One of the best young 2-way forwards in the game.

What do you think Richards and Toews would get on the open market today?

50 points in 62 games.

One of the best young 2-way forwards in the game.

What do you think Richards and Toews would get on the open market today?
- robin_steele264

50 points is still 50 points. Defense wins championships but it doesn't allow players to get that huge pay day you are suggesting Staal will get.

Neither player hit the open market because both of their employers knew how incredibly valuable they were. Same will happen with Staal.

Bergeron makes 5 million a year. Another amazing defensive player who scores more and yet still has a cap hit under 7 million.

You guys should know by now that offensive numbers is what gets players the pay day. With a career high of 29 goals and 50 points, Staal is not getting a cap hit of 7 million dollars unless somebody out there is a complete moron or extremely desperate. And that's all assuming the Penguins let him hit the open market and/or that Staal doesn't want to stay with the Penguins.

Richards and Toews are the best comparable players and their cap hits is 5.75 and 6.3 million. And they both score more than Staal does.
- Unholy_Goalie

MRichards? Both him and Toews were RFA's when they signed and Richards got a 12 yr deal. 7 milly is high and there's a good chance he and Pitt work out a team friendly contract (like Backes) but on the open market his value is atleast 6 ...and maybe 7 with a good season this year. 6 x 6 is fair .....but if he wants to hit payday then teams will bid that higher.

You guys should know by now that offensive numbers is what gets players the pay day. With a career high of 29 goals and 50 points, Staal is not getting a cap hit of 7 million dollars unless somebody out there is a complete moron or extremely desperate. And that's all assuming the Penguins let him hit the open market and/or that Staal doesn't want to stay with the Penguins.

Richards and Toews are the best comparable players and their cap hits is 5.75 and 6.3 million. And they both score more than Staal does.
- Unholy_Goalie

Unless you play in Toronto where overpayment rules.

You guys should know by now that offensive numbers is what gets players the pay day. With a career high of 29 goals and 50 points, Staal is not getting a cap hit of 7 million dollars unless somebody out there is a complete moron or extremely desperate. And that's all assuming the Penguins let him hit the open market and/or that Staal doesn't want to stay with the Penguins.

Richards and Toews are the best comparable players and their cap hits is 5.75 and 6.3 million. And they both score more than Staal does.
- Unholy_Goalie

To be fair, both get/had first line minutes. Staal has not for most of his career.

50 points is still 50 points. Defense wins championships but it doesn't allow players to get that huge pay day you are suggesting Staal will get.

Neither player hit the open market because both of their employers knew how incredibly valuable they were. Same will happen with Staal.

Bergeron makes 5 million a year. Another amazing defensive player who scores more and yet still has a cap hit under 7 million.
- Unholy_Goalie

Im not suggesting it.... I read it.

http://www.thefourthperiod.com/news/pit120514.html


"The Penguins will have $40 million locked up in 10 players for the 2013-14 season, and that figure does not include Crosby, who is expected to command $10 million, per year, on a new contract.

The captain has one more year on his current deal and a new contract that has been set as the organization's "top priority" this summer, while Malkin, who has two years remaining, is also likely to sign a new deal with the Penguins.

With the current salary cap and potential changes set to happen with a new CBA this summer, the Penguins would have more than a dozen players, including Staal, to sign, but only about $14 million to spend.

The 23-year-old is expected to command $7 million on the open market, and letting him walk once his contract expires is not something Shero is likely to do as a heavy bounty for Staal could be offered in return."

To be fair, both get/had first line minutes. Staal has not for most of his career.
- GoneFullRetard

With Crosby out for most of the year, didn't he get 2nd line minute?

WOAH WOAH WOAH WOAH WOAH HOLD THE PHONE THERE COWBOY.... CONNOLY YOU GRADED AN "F" ARE YOU FRICKN KIDDN ME? the GUY ACTUALLY DIDNT GET HURT ALL SEASON, THE MAN MADE OUT OF GLASS ACTUALLY SURVIVED A GOOD CHUNK OF THE SEASON AND YOU GIVE HIM A "F" THATS DAMN RIGHT RUDE!

He rightly deserves a D- at most

To be fair, both get/had first line minutes. Staal has not for most of his career.
- GoneFullRetard

That's BS. Staal averages nearly 20 minutes per game.

Staal can and will score 30 goals and 60+ points. But guys that get 7 million per year, as cap hits, are guys that are in the 80+ point region. It's just the way the money works. As important as Staal is, the offensive numbers is usually what dictates their pay day.

The only guy they would give a retirement contract to is Crosby because he means everything to that franchise and their fans. Even if they never win a Cup again, Crosby keeps that arena filled.

Staal would get a shorter contract because this is his 2nd contract. He's 24 this year so maybe close to a 6 year deal at 36 million. Keeps his cap hit at 6 or less and they keep him until he's 30.

I've always thought that Malkin was the guy they would eventually trade if and when they needed to do it. Given that Columbus is trying to rebuild and offload Nash, I'd look at them as a good trading partner. You keep Malkin in the opposite conference, get a winger for Crosby, plus A LOT more to bridge the value gap between Nash and Malkin. Plus, they keep Staal.
- Unholy_Goalie

That is a good idea, but I wonder if Pittsburgh would do such a thing. I think that Nash would improve the Penguins chances, as a big body that goes to the net.

50 points is still 50 points. Defense wins championships but it doesn't allow players to get that huge pay day you are suggesting Staal will get.

Neither player hit the open market because both of their employers knew how incredibly valuable they were. Same will happen with Staal.

Bergeron makes 5 million a year. Another amazing defensive player who scores more and yet still has a cap hit under 7 million.
- Unholy_Goalie

RFA ...short 3 year deal. He'll be 28 next time he hits UFAgency.

Staal is staring down UFAgency. He can re-up early but if he waits until next summer like Parise and Suter this year he'll get gobs of money ...and probably be grossly overpaid.

MRichards? Both him and Toews were RFA's when they signed and Richards got a 12 yr deal. 7 milly is high and there's a good chance he and Pitt work out a team friendly contract (like Backes) but on the open market his value is atleast 6 ...and maybe 7 with a good season this year. 6 x 6 is fair .....but if he wants to hit payday then teams will bid that higher.
- The Law

Toews and Staal went in the same draft. Whether he was a RFA is irrelevant. What matters is how they play and what the existing contract is.

I hope everybody knows that the upcoming CBA negotiations will likely bring the player salaries down right?

RFA ...short 3 year deal. He'll be 28 next time he hits UFAgency.

Staal is staring down UFAgency. He can re-up early but if he waits until next summer like Parise and Suter this year he'll get gobs of money ...and probably be grossly overpaid.
- The Law

Parise and Suter have the offensive numbers to get the big pay day. A career high of 50 points can not and will not get Staal a 7 million dollars per year cap hit.

Im not suggesting it.... I read it.
- robin_steele264

Good for you. You read it. Do you believe it? The fact that you keep bringing it up suggests you believe it despite there being very little logic behind it. Not to mention from a flimsy and speculative source.