NHL Free Agent Frenzy 2013 - Melnyk's Budget Edition

NEELY wrote:

Ev wrote:I love how literally NOBODY is talking about Iginla. It's so weird. I personally think he has declined very much as you all know but it's surprising the media hasn't discussed him

Prob going to SJ or LA, walk into the sunset.  He was awful in Pitt.  Remember how he was the biggest steal of the trade deadline, hahaha.  

Anyways, big Grabo fan, hopefully they can sign him in Ottawa on the cheap because you won't get a more motivated player at this point nor will you find a better LH shot that can score some goals, not in this UFA year anyways.  

If I'm Grabo I'm motivated to play in this division to stick it to Toronto for 6 games or whatever the number is now. Also Montreal, his other ex team.

Pretty sure the bridges in Montreal have all but been burnt. Ottawa is the perfect spot for a player like that. Will get him on a cheap deal, can play center or wing, LH shot, can score some goals, and actually plays a 200 foot, fairly physical game.

First thing is first, add Alfi. If you can add Clarkson do it, if you can add Grabo on top of all that then it's been a perfect day. First signing of the day will be Blum.

NEELY wrote:Pretty sure the bridges in Montreal have all but been burnt.  Ottawa is the perfect spot for a player like that.  Will get him on a cheap deal, can play center or wing, LH shot, can score some goals, and actually plays a 200 foot, fairly physical game.  

First thing is first, add Alfi.  If you can add Clarkson do it, if you can add Grabo on top of all that then it's been a perfect day.  First signing of the day will be Blum.

I meant he can also stick it to Montreal for 6 games, not that he'd sign there.

Gotcha. I agree Ottawa would be a great spot for Grabovsky to land but you know what? Detroit would be even better for that player, that's an absolutely perfect fit and they are in the division again so they are getting a motivated player like Ottawa would be.

Great point. A lot of people forget that the wings will be in the east next season.

Yup, division will be tough next year and Ottawa needs to add a player or two for sure. Detroit will be adding, no question. Montreal got worse by adding a player they didn't need at all and not addressing anything that was holding them back. Boston is probably about the same but Eriksson is a fantastic hockey player, they are the class of the division. Toronto, well we will see what they do today but if they bring in Wiess over Grabovsky then they got worse for no reason and a lot easier to play against. Buffalo, Tampa, Florida, the bottom feeders of the East and won't do much if anything at all but get worse.

Ottawa will need to make a play for these guys for a few reasons but the biggest guy to keep away from the division rivals and the guy they probably need most is Clarkson. If the Sens can land him today it's been a good day despite the fact he will be over paid by about 10 million on the hole. W/e, Ottawa's depth means they don't have to over spend for guys to play on the 3rd and 4th lines. That's what happens when you keep finding NHLers in the later rounds.

I don't see us shelling out enough dough for Clarkson, though I would like for that to happen. I also don't see Grabo landing here just because our #1 need isn't a centre...although if the dollars are low enough, maybe we do try for him.

I still think that all this Alfie stuff is blown out of proportion...there's no way Eugene let's our icon get away. How many times has The Alfie said that if he wins a cup, he wants it to be in Ottawa? Maybe he is just waiting to see us land a big name FA first...who knows at this point, there's so many conflicting reports, but the last public words out of The Alfie's mouth yesterday were about getting a deal done with the Sens (Swedish TV interview), so I'll go with that.

if Alfie left it wouldn't be on Eugene, it would be on Alfie

Knowing Alfie and Murray and Melnyk, here's probably what's happening: Murray told alfie he can't spend too much on free agents so Alfie probably suggested to wait until the Sens are done with free agents to sign his deal because he probably is ready to take a discount if the Sens land a big fish.

If you think Alfie even considers leaving or as suggested by that tool Shawn Simpson the Sens don't want him back (laughable), you don't know much about this organization.

LeKing wrote:Knowing Alfie and Murray and Melnyk, here's probably what's happening: Murray told alfie he can't spend too much on free agents so Alfie probably suggested to wait until the Sens are done with free agents to sign his deal because he probably is ready to take a discount if the Sens land a big fish.

If you think Alfie even considers leaving or as suggested by that tool Shawn Simpson the Sens don't want him back (laughable), you don't know much about this organization.

Shawn Simpson is an ex-NHL executive, just remember that.

    

NEELY wrote:Gonna be tough to get work done after 12 today

I've started the "my stomach hurts " chatter this morning so I'll be free at noon hopefully.  

@TSNBobMcKenzie 2m
Ray Emery in PHI; Nathan Horton in CBJ; Ryane Clowe in NJ. But lots of intrigue, shouldn't be long after 12 noon that signings get done.

Per Dreger:
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Little doubt David Clarkson will get a 7 year term. Some gm's think he will get $6 mil or higher per.
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I honestly don't think Murray will be prepared to sign that contract...could be wrong though.

He's gonna get a contract close to karlsson's... think bout that  

7 years, 5.5. Do it Murray

tim1_2 wrote:Per Dreger:

Little doubt David Clarkson will get a 7 year term. Some gm's think he will get $6 mil or higher per.

That is absolutely nuts! No way should he get 6 mill for 7 seasons.

Much has been made of Clarkson's perceived lack of production in the playoffs...but in his last playoff appearance with the Devils, he had 12 pts in 24 games. Not too shabby. Before then, his role wasn't nearly what it is now.

NEELY wrote:Gonna be tough to get work done after 12 today

We got a day off in lieu of a bonus so I've decided to finally do my taxes. Finding it hard to concentrate, though, and it's not even 12 yet.