Leaderboard

One thing to keep in mind is the progression of the salary cap. $6m of cap space now is worth a lot more than $6m of cap space later. Just as an example, the salary cap in 2005 was $39m. Now, 5 years later, it's $59m. If that rate of progression continues, the salary cap will be $100m 10 years from now. Even if it only continues to progress at half rate, it'll be 79-80m dollars. A 6m cap hit for a 39 year old in that range is equivalent to, say, the 3m we're playing Flip now. If you think Zetterberg can play at Flip's current level in the last, say, 2 years of his contract, at roughly the same (or slightly greater) the equivalent salary, do you think it's worth it for us getting a $1-1.5m discount for the other 8 years of his contract? I certainly think so. Franzen's contract progresses even better, if the cap were, say, 85m 10 years from now, he'd only be getting paid about equal to the money Draper is now. Considering that Franzen is a better player than Draper ever was, and that Franzen could probably put up 3rd line play at 39, do you think paying Draper-equivalent money at that stage in his career is worth it for the huge discount we're getting for a 35g/clutch playoff guy?

Who knows what the cba/salary cap will be like in 10 years? They might also retire at 37/38 when they are past their prime etc and their contracts will go off the cap

I've never seen this posted here before or anywhere else for that matter, but this is just ridiculous.

lol'd at futcher

yis ser

May not be a troll but goodness what kind of a question is this to ask tho? Obviously it was a great decision to keep Hank this long keeping it cap friendly and also one of the most dynamic two way players in the world and future Captain. I'll take it.

I hope this generates some good debate. A lot of these were slam dunks, but others were close. I had a hard time especially with Vancouver, Anaheim, Buffalo and Chicago. Ducks - Scott Niedermayer Thrashers - Scott Mellanby Bruins - Ray Bourque Sabres - Pat LaFontaine Flames - Jarome Iginla Hurricanes - Ron Francis Blackhawks - Pierre Pilote Avalanche - Joe Sakic Blue Jackets - Adam Foote Stars - Derian Hatcher Red Wings - Steve Yzerman Oilers - Wayne Gretzky Panthers - Brian Skrudland Kings - Wayne Gretzky Wild - Mikko Koivu (they finally made up their minds ) Canadiens - Jean Beliveau Predators - Greg Johnson ( sad but true) Devils - Scott Stevens Islanders - Denis Potvin (edging out Yashin ) Rangers - Mark Messier Senators - Daniel Alfredsson Flyers - Bobby Clarke Penguins - Mario Lemieux Coyotes - Shane Doan Sharks - Owen Nolan Blues - Brian Sutter Lightning - Dave Andreychuk Leafs - George Armstrong Canucks - Trevor Linden Capitals - Dale Hunter

The trade-off was always going to be that he was being underpaid for the majority of the contract, but then at the end, for the last 3-4 years, he was going to be overpaid. The negative impact of the latter potentially being lessened by Hank's own ability to maintain a high level of play even in his late 30s, and/or his retiring before the completion of the deal. Overall it's a very, very good contract.

Both are great deals Z will be the next C and Franzen is a beast who could score 40 goals this year top end on low end 30. With years of the same numbers.

Who tells you these things? ...because they are wrong.

And what makes you want to listen to these people on this particular topic? It's a bad signing...if you're a fan of another team.

They will, but the players who are locked up can't change a contract mid-contract.

I like the way you think!

This is the year Dats breaks 100 points!

The NHL ought to investigate Huet's contract. Not because of length, but on just how stupid it is.

why ask this question if you only answer 80% of it?

So your argument for Sundin being a better captain is that he led the leafs somewhere?

downey would be awesome with abby and helm.. but i think it'll end up being abby helm and miller.. with eaves and draper getting games here and there. drapers a decent pk too.. i could see maltby being offered a 2-way and declining it.... but who knows. i am very excited for this season though!!

If Downey makes it, it won't be because his "talent" beat out someone else's. It'll be because of his fisticuffs. We've got plenty of scorers on our team already, we don't need to try and make a scoring line out of the 4th. That's what I meant. esteef

I approve of this. Cause country boys can survive.

Gotta have ma man Downey in there some games next year!

Don't forget Downey! esteef

Amazing how much his english has improved since then too eh? I watch this one for the lulz.