Official: Selanne signs with Ducks

[b.shanafan14 733]

For a c*** that always rants about other GM's taking advantage of s***ty rules, Burke has done a masterful job of doing the same. I only hope the league does something in the offseason to change the rules a bit, so s***bags like Burke can't pull stuff like this again.

Its becoming almost laughable ain't it? Got NHL 08 and I marvel that the one team that is over the cap in the game is Anaheim because they somehow have every player they had lost from last season and every player they had acquired in the offseason. Who would have thought thats cause its actually coming true, now if only Burke can steal back Penner and McDonald the Busch leaguery will be complete... oh well, c'est la vie I guess

[edicius 3,269]

I just think that it is such crap that this practice is allowed in any sport. After 20 or 30 games you shouldn't be allowed to sign a deal that would allow you play in the current season.

I remember reading that after this whole debacle with Selfish Scott and Tentative Teemu, the NHL is seriously considering altering the rules, implementing deadlines on players who are waffling over deciding on retirement. For instance, if you can't decide by December 1st, you're ineligible to return to the NHL until the following season.

[Guest GordieSid&Ted]

This is total crap.

How is it even leagel in any sport to sit out more then half a season, pretend that you have retired or that you are pondering retirement. Then, out of the blue, you decide to come back and play.

Hell, imagine if Stevie did that a couple of times. We could win a couple more cups.

I just think that it is such crap that this practice is allowed in any sport. After 20 or 30 games you shouldn't be allowed to sign a deal that would allow you play in the current season.

I think the league will add a rule about this. But, if there is a rule like this wouldn't that keep us from signing this swedish kid Fabian?

[chrisdetroit 189]

I find this abit unfair too

I only see a stronger team then last year for the ducks

People like Getzlaf, Perry, Kunitz only got more experiance and not too mention Getzlaf and Perry are both off to the allstars

They acquired Schnieder which just makes their defense that much better

They bring in 2 fresh superstar veterans

Sure they lose Penner, who in my opionon isnt even very good, Bert makes up for it if he can stay healthy

and they traded MC, but Weight isnt such a bad downgrade

But lets have no fea........

Holland will soon bring in Sundin and Blake and we will be all good

You're being sarcastic right? Schneider is at the end of his career and as we have found is injury prone now. He's missed 15 games this year so far. Short term, when he isn't injured, he's definitely an asset but he is a year or 2 from retirement.

Penner isn't even very good? Really? He had 29 goals last year and is on pace to have 24 this year. He was essentially replaced with Bert who as we all know is recovering from Back Surgery and is also near the end of his career and has become injury prone. He's missed 14 games this year so far.

Mac for Weight as you said is also a downgrade but not a big one. Weight also is old. 37. McDonlad is 30. They are about the same in ability by Doug is going to retire soon. Andy is not.

You forgot about Bryzgalov who is one of the better back-up goaltenders in the league. Granted he may never be an issue but if they lose Giguere for any time at all in the playoffs, they are done. Remember that Bryz played in the first round last year.

So I guess you could say IF all these old guys can stay healthy the rest of the year (2 of the 3 haven't so far) then they are not significantly worse off. But no way that you can say that they are better. Look at their record this year compared to last. Last year they almost won the Presidents Trophy. This year they are fighting to make the playoffs. They would be only 3 points ahead of the 9th team if you account for the games in hand.

Better than last year? No way.

[chrisdetroit 189]

I think the league will add a rule about this. But, if there is a rule like this wouldn't that keep us from signing this swedish kid Fabian?

They have a rule about free agents like Selanne. You have to be signed by the trading deadline which I believe is the end of February. I don't see anything wrong with the Selanne deal.

The deal with Neids though stinks but you can't do anything about it. The Ducks could have just claimed he was injured, then how do you prove it one way or another.

[YoungGuns1340 1]

To be honest, this doesnt worry me that much for some reason. Anaheims great on paper, but they arent clicking like they did last year. Sure Getzlaf and Perry are bona fide beasts now, but from what Ive seen and heard, Beauchimin, Schneider, Pronger, and Niedermayer arent where they were last season. Stanley Cup hangover? Coincidence? I dont know, but I know Hollands gonna respond to this sort of news with big moves at the deadline.

[VM1138 1,921]

Here is my thought out, objective opinion. People here are missing the point.

Anaheim is NOT better than last year, even with Selanne. They are at the same level as last year, considering their acquisitions of Bertuzzi and Schneider balance out the losses.

So Anaheim is at the same level, which is still a huge threat.

Detroit is considerably better than last year, on paper and in performance. There's no way Detriot would walk with a playoff series, but they're a better matchup.

So what we have is two obscenely talented and powerful teams, and the rest of the NHL. THere's no doubt in my mind that the Ducks and Wings are the best in the NHL. It's a repeat of the Colorado rivalry in my mind. Constant battling between the two best. Who knows how many years the Ducks will be good is a different question entirely. WHereas the Wings have longevity, we've seen by the first half of the season that Anaheim is based solely around Neidermeyer and Selanne.

So let's face it, for either team to win a series against the other, a large amount of luck is going to have to be involved, just like last year.

[YoungGuns1340 1]

Here is my thought out, objective opinion. People here are missing the point.

Anaheim is NOT better than last year, even with Selanne. They are at the same level as last year, considering their acquisitions of Bertuzzi and Schneider balance out the losses.

So Anaheim is at the same level, which is still a huge threat.

Detroit is considerably better than last year, on paper and in performance. There's no way Detriot would walk with a playoff series, but they're a better matchup.

So what we have is two obscenely talented and powerful teams, and the rest of the NHL. THere's no doubt in my mind that the Ducks and Wings are the best in the NHL. It's a repeat of the Colorado rivalry in my mind. Constant battling between the two best. Who knows how many years the Ducks will be good is a different question entirely. WHereas the Wings have longevity, we've seen by the first half of the season that Anaheim is based solely around Neidermeyer and Selanne.

So let's face it, for either team to win a series against the other, a large amount of luck is going to have to be involved, just like last year.

Hm..Anaheim and Colorado?

Colorado wins in 96, going through Detroit. Then Detroit takes the next two cups back to back.

Anaheim wins in 07, going through Detroit. Then Detroit...?

[Wings_Dynasty 267]

Two depth signings and Detroit takes a series in 6.

We lose Schneider and Kronwall, Bertuzzi is 50%, Hank 80%, and we have dead weight on the 2nd line. Injuries lost that series, not Lilja. But since I know injuries are part of the game, depth is the cure.

Now, we are grittier (Drake, Downey) deeper in the forward position (Downey, Ellis, Hartigan) and have young defensive players that can fill in (Q, Kindl if necessary, Meech) plus the hottest goalie tandem. All we need is a top 6 dman who can play the point and a strong center that can skate through traffic and we're stronger than the 96 Wings IMHO. Hopefully whoever we pick up gets Sammy off the point on the PP. He can stay on the PP, but down at the circles.

And, no offense, but if Giggy goes down the Ducks don't make the post. Hope they have a back-up plan. Same goes with Fronger and Niederweiner aka Nevermakeadecisioner. Depth-wise, they are WAY weaker than us.

[YoungGuns1340 1]

Two depth signings and Detroit takes a series in 6.

We lose Schneider and Kronwall, Bertuzzi is 50%, Hank 80%, and we have dead weight on the 2nd line. Injuries lost that series, not Lilja. But since I know injuries are part of the game, depth is the cure.

Now, we are grittier (Drake, Downey) deeper in the forward position (Downey, Ellis, Hartigan) and have young defensive players that can fill in (Q, Kindl if necessary, Meech) plus the hottest goalie tandem. All we need is a top 6 dman who can play the point and a strong center that can skate through traffic and we're stronger than the 96 Wings IMHO. Hopefully whoever we pick up gets Sammy off the point on the PP. He can stay on the PP, but down at the circles.

And, no offense, but if Giggy goes down the Ducks don't make the post. Hope they have a back-up plan. Same goes with Fronger and Niederweiner aka Nevermakeadecisioner. Depth-wise, they are WAY weaker than us.

You forgot that Lebda was probably about 50% too. He injured his ankle in the Langkow incident and by his own admission wouldve been off the ankle and off the ice for another couple weeks if it hadnt been the playoffs. But thats neither here nor there.

At this point, I'm convinced we're going to get Blake for several reasons. 1) Chelios claims Blake really wants to play for Detroit, a statement that Blake has not denied. 2) Blake has said he wants to go to a contender and with his NTC, he can basically choose which team he wants to go to. 3) According to some journalists, LA wants to trade Blake to the Western team that has the best chance of knocking off the Ducks (i.e. Detroit) 4) Detroit has the cap space and the assets to acquire him 5) Since he may request to go specifically to Detroit, that means Detroit can get Blake for a reasonable amount since there wouldnt be any outside competition.

Ill admit I was against the idea for a while, but Ive warmed up to it a lot, probably because Blake has been playing like he did for the Avs over the past 20 games or so. And because, well, if the Ducks continue to take penalties like they do, Lidstrom-Rafalski followed by Blake-Kronwall is a pretty sick powerplay to answer to.

[Duck Guy 86]

Chances very good for his return reports LA Times

-Teemu Selanne gave the strongest indication yet that he may come out of semi-retirement when he said Friday there's a "very good chance" he'll return to play for the Ducks.

-Selanne insisted he would not make a final decision until he talks with General Manager Brian Burke next week, but the 10-time All-Star forward admitted he is leaning in a certain direction.

(First 2 sentences)

-January 26, 2008

Edited January 28, 2008 by Duck Guy

[thedisappearer 291]

Colorado wins in 96, going through Detroit. Then Detroit takes the next two cups back to back.

Anaheim wins in 07, going through Detroit. Then Detroit...?

I like your train of thought.

[Dabura 12,232]

-Teemu Selanne gave the strongest indication yet that he may come out of semi-retirement when he said Friday there's a "very good chance" he'll return to play for the Ducks.

-Selanne insisted he would not make a final decision until he talks with General Manager Brian Burke next week, but the 10-time All-Star forward admitted he is leaning in a certain direction.

The Ducks never fail to make me sick.

[Flip-check 6]

On the other note, I'm glad Selanne's playing. He's one of my favs.

Even if it's in Anaheim.

[puckloo39 5,686]

On the other note, I'm glad Selanne's playing. He's one of my favs.

Even if it's in Anaheim.

Me, too. I kinda wish he would stay retired, so I could remember Emu finally hoisting the Cup. That was the ONLY thing about the Finals last season which was positive, in my book.

[Guest GordieSid&Ted]

so does this mean that neiders*** and selanne are just gonna come back around the deadline for the next 10 years, cause that is garbage. you play a third of the season and get paid for a full season...wow. rediculous.

How can you get so upset over something when you don't even understand how it works. Cleary, by the statement you made in bold, you have no idea what you're talking about, yet you can be pissed about it? At least due your homework and understand the situation first.

[YoungGuns1340 1]

How can you get so upset over something when you don't even understand how it works. Cleary, by the statement you made in bold, you have no idea what you're talking about, yet you can be pissed about it? At least due your homework and understand the situation first.

Um, well if he doesnt know hes wrong, why would he think he doesnt understand it?

And really, in effect, Selanne will get paid for HIS season, which will be, what? about 25 games long? I mean, if Selanne says he wants 2M to play 25 games, then theyll sign him to a contract that is around 6M, which would then be prorated to around 2M (which is an estimate, im not bothering to do the math). Its not like if he asks for 2M, hes going to mean he wants 2M on the contract, and thus only recieve 700k or so of it. Hell ask for whatever he wants in his pocket, not what he would theoretically get for a full season (that is, assuming the Ducks can pay it). Both camps already know the contract will be prorated...

Edited January 28, 2008 by YoungGuns1340

[Dabura 12,232]

How can you get so upset over something when you don't even understand how it works. Cleary, by the statement you made in bold, you have no idea what you're talking about, yet you can be pissed about it? At least due your homework and understand the situation first.

Meanwhile, you can learn the difference between "due" and "do."

[haroldsnepsts 4,826]

On the other note, I'm glad Selanne's playing. He's one of my favs.

Even if it's in Anaheim.

Yeah. This is a totally different deal than Niedermayer.

Sellane was a UFA and had no contractual obligations to anyone. This would be no different than if by some miracle McCarty would play for the Wings this season.

Then would people be so angry, or think the team should have to pay for a whole season?

[norrisnick 1]

Yeah. This is a totally different deal than Niedermayer.

Sellane was a UFA and had no contractual obligations to anyone. This would be no different than if by some miracle McCarty would play for the Wings this season.

Then would people be so angry, or think the team should have to pay for a whole season?

Yes, but for completely unrelated reasons.

[NeverForgetMac25 483]

Yeah. This is a totally different deal than Niedermayer.

Sellane was a UFA and had no contractual obligations to anyone. This would be no different than if by some miracle McCarty would play for the Wings this season.

Then would people be so angry, or think the team should have to pay for a whole season?

Probably not, but in a sense this is kind of apples to oranges.

In one case, you've got a guy trying to make a comeback and who will be nothing more than a fourth-liner at best on a contender and will literally make the minimum salary (which will also be prorated). By the time its said and done if Mac did hook up with a team before the end of the season he's likely only to make in the ballpark of $150,000. Even if he did sign with the Wings his contract would eat up practically none of the roughly $5 million they have yet to spend this season.

In the other case, you've got a top-end offensive player that would be an enormous addition to any team in the playoffs and be a first-liner on practically every one of those teams. His salary "should" be in the $6 million (for a full season) ballpark, and what people are upset about is that now the Ducks can add a guy like Selanne for a hell of a lot less than his market value and stay under the cap. While Selanne wasn't contracted to any team, Neidermayer was in a similar boat. Now, they can both come back to their team mid-season for a cap total of less than what one of them should be making. In a sense they found a way to beat the system.

That being said, you have to give props to the Ducks' brass for finding this loophole, and I would be willing to bet if the Wings were the ones doing this that not too many people would be upset about it. The thing is, I can see a point for both sides.

Sidenote: Forgive me for the thorough explanation HS, as it wasn't directed toward you. I know you already know the points I just touched upon, but I just wanted to throw them in there for those that may not know them.

Edited January 28, 2008 by Never Forget Mac #25

[Guest GordieSid&Ted]

Um, well if he doesnt know hes wrong, why would he think he doesnt understand it?

And really, in effect, Selanne will get paid for HIS season, which will be, what? about 25 games long? I mean, if Selanne says he wants 2M to play 25 games, then theyll sign him to a contract that is around 6M, which would then be prorated to around 2M (which is an estimate, im not bothering to do the math). Its not like if he asks for 2M, hes going to mean he wants 2M on the contract, and thus only recieve 700k or so of it. Hell ask for whatever he wants in his pocket, not what he would theoretically get for a full season (that is, assuming the Ducks can pay it). Both camps already know the contract will be prorated...

The original poster seems to be implying he's getting paid for 82 games worth of work, which is not the case.

[Guest GordieSid&Ted]

Meanwhile, you can learn the difference between "due" and "do."

Ohh, ouch, you got me you word nazi you. I was caught between 2 thoughts, telling him to do his homework or doing his due diligence in finding out how it works. I mixed them up. Even i'm not perfect all the time

[edicius 3,269]

From TSN's article...

"It took Teemu several months to determine if he had the passion and determination to return to the NHL, and we are thrilled to have him back," said Ducks Executive Vice President/General Manager Brian Burke in a statement.

If it takes ANY player "several months" to figure out if they still have the determination to play hockey...well, that's not too convincing.

It's like the wife who asks her husband, "Does this dress make me look fat?" and the husband taking too long to answer. No answer that he gives will be convincing by that point.

I lost a lot of respect for Teemu today.

[haroldsnepsts 4,826]

Probably not, but in a sense this is kind of apples to oranges.

In one case, you've got a guy trying to make a comeback and who will be nothing more than a fourth-liner at best on a contender and will literally make the minimum salary (which will also be prorated). By the time its said and done if Mac did hook up with a team before the end of the season he's likely only to make in the ballpark of $150,000. Even if he did sign with the Wings his contract would eat up practically none of the roughly $5 million they have yet to spend this season.

In the other case, you've got a top-end offensive player that would be an enormous addition to any team in the playoffs and be a first-liner on practically every one of those teams. His salary "should" be in the $6 million (for a full season) ballpark, and what people are upset about is that now the Ducks can add a guy like Selanne for a hell of a lot less than his market value and stay under the cap. While Selanne wasn't contracted to any team, Neidermayer was in a similar boat. Now, they can both come back to their team mid-season for a cap total of less than what one of them should be making. In a sense they found a way to beat the system.

That being said, you have to give props to the Ducks' brass for finding this loophole, and I would be willing to bet if the Wings were the ones doing this that not too many people would be upset about it. The thing is, I can see a point for both sides.

Sidenote: Forgive me for the thorough explanation HS, as it wasn't directed toward you. I know you already know the points I just touched upon, but I just wanted to throw them in there for those that may not know them.

No worries.

And you're right, it's not quite apples to apples, but still fairly close, I think.

I only have a problem with the Niedermayer thing really. And it's not because I like Teemu more or anything. Selanne is under no obligation to anyone. If he wants to come back and the Ducks want to sign him, so be it. I'd like to think if Lidstrom did the same thing, he'd be welcomed back with open arms.

I don't want to reopen the whole can of worms on Niedermayer, but if you're gonna have a guy under contract come back midway through the season, the team should have to pay the season's salary and take the cap hit. If the player is going to be that wishy washy about it, well then that's on him.