Zetterberg denies report of rejecting 10yr, $75 million deal.

[Red Crazy 201]

New Member, 1st post.

First let me start off by saying, I'm glad I found this site, I can't wait to talk Hockey with other Wings' fans.

I think Hank is a better fit in the Wings' roster, His playmaking ability it hard to beat, beyond that he is (along with Pavel) one of the most defensive forwards in the game. I like Hossa, but his demeanor is almost too reminiscent of Sergei Fedorov. You never know which Hossa is going to show up for the game. I'm not hating on #81, but lets call it as it is, he's a gun for hire.

I'd rather see Henrik Zetterberg stay on for at least another 5 years, I see him peaking in the next season or two. Besides that, he comes to play every single night.

With the Hudler/Franzen situation, I say keep Hudler for sure, and with The Mule, try to work something out. If not, dump him for a solid guy on D.

Be gentle...

Welcome.

I agree with you about Hossa. Not saying that he is not a great player but I think he is or will be overpaid for his track record. I would love to see Hank signed to a 5 yr 35M contract and no longer due to his back problems. Mule and Huds I hope will stay as well but it will mean they have to take a discount.

[Hockeytown Red Wings 245]

I just bought a Zetterberg jersey last week. Don't make it a waste of money Z.

I have a hard time believing Hank would turn down this offer. To make as much as Lidstrom for the next ten years? That's a pretty good deal. I also don't take Hank for the greedy type, so there must be some other issues that have yet to be resolved.

[HenrikRules40 14]

I just bought a Zetterberg jersey last week. Don't make it a waste of money Z.

I have a hard time believing Hank would turn down this offer. To make as much as Lidstrom for the next ten years? That's a pretty good deal. I also don't take Hank for the greedy type, so there must be some other issues that have yet to be resolved.

Wow you really are bad luck.

Doesn't matter. He's gonna stay here. I promise. Remember when there were rumors that Stevie might go to Ottawa? This is just more smoke and mirrors. Everyone relax.

[ben_usmc 253]

This isn't directed to anyone in particular, but addressing a subthread here: I'm always amazed at the willingness of some to overreact and throw a Red Wing under the bus. When Datsyuk was negotiating his last contract and Hank was on a tear and playing like the best player in the world, some people here were quick to question how much Datsyuk was worth or if he should be signed at all. Now that the situation's reversed, and Hank's production is just a bit off so far this year (39pts and 41 games--seriously, Hank, wtf?) some people hear one rumor and are ready to cut their losses with him. Isn't long term performance worth anything?

I remember when everyone was calling Pasha a playoff bust and complaining about his contract. I was one of the very few that actually agreed with his contract(pat myself on the back) but I must say I hope in the majority that end up bitching about Z's contract and it turns into a steal.

[alienanxiety 23]

notice how he said. "it's not true. i did not turn down an offer of $75million." then he probably finished the sentence in his head. "...it was $74.5 million."

[Third Man In 2,091]

This is kind of off topic, but I still think they should have some exception in the CBA only a percentage of a player's salary counts against the cap if he was drafted by that team. It'll help franchises retain players, which helps build an identity for the team and is better for the fans.

whoa whoa whoa there harold...retain players? team identities? better for the fans? When have any of those ever entered into the league's consideration?

Of course, I agree with your vision, but the league seems to like fluidity in the name of a 'level playingfield'. Even if that means a player like Hank signing with another team, even if that's not what he, the Wings, or the fans really want.

Edit: grammar

Edited January 15, 2009 by Third Man In

[Third Man In 2,091]

duplicate post

Edited January 15, 2009 by Third Man In

[Datsyerberger 279]

QFT

+2

I don't think there's a player in the league that would be dumb enough to turn down a $7.5m /yr contract with 10 years of work what with the current upcoming cap situation.

[blikst 1]

The fact that Zetterberg came out denied this - when he says himself that he normally wouldn't comment on a thing like this - is a very good indicator. Obviously Hank saw that it was such a good offer, that even hypothetically turning it down would do damage to his reputation. Thus, he commented on it.

My guess is that not only did that offer not come up, but nothing close to that offer has come up.

QFT

Yes, if it where close to the truth why would he come out and deny it? It would only make him look like an idiot if it turn out to be true or if he gets more than that.

If he gets 7,5, I guess it wouldn't be 10 years.

Edited January 15, 2009 by blikst

[blikst 1]

Zetterberg should be honest with himself and not earn more than pavel, even if he signed 2 years ago when cap was lower... zettergberg isnt better than pavel and shouldnt earn more.

Oh, is that how it works? *Check other contracts in the league* Not really.

[VM1138 1,921]

Honestly, I know this isn't how negotiations work and everything, but I think someone should point out that Datsyuk is having a better year than hei s, and is perfectly content with his 6.7 million. He's not starving or eating at soup kitchens. Since they are comparable, I'd like to see Z signed for that much. It won't happen though.

I keep hoping we'll see some 2001 level contract cuts for the good of the team. I don't see Lids demanding anything close to his 7 million when his contract expires and I can dream that Z is only after 6 million, long-term and Franzen only wants 4 million or less.

[Electrophile 3,554]

This isn't directed to anyone in particular, but addressing a subthread here: I'm always amazed at the willingness of some to overreact and throw a Red Wing under the bus. When Datsyuk was negotiating his last contract and Hank was on a tear and playing like the best player in the world, some people here were quick to question how much Datsyuk was worth or if he should be signed at all. Now that the situation's reversed, and Hank's production is just a bit off so far this year (39pts and 41 games--seriously, Hank, wtf?) some people hear one rumor and are ready to cut their losses with him. Isn't long term performance worth anything?

Speaking only for myself here, yes it is. I understand your frustration and I agree; I think some people here (no one specific, just people) are quick to believe every rumor no matter how far out of left field it came and then throw said player under the bus accordingly without really thinking about it first. However that happens on just about every sports-based message board. This may sound like a trite suggestion, but just ignore them.

[SouthernWingsFan 854]

I've barely read this thread, but let me say this in the event if Zetterberg rejects a contract offer worth a decent amount of cash and people go apes**t over it.

It is still early in the game, and contracts are a lengthy process, even in just run-of-the-mill jobs like we have. It's just negotiations like any other job where you try to get your best offer/most worth in the place you want to work/play in.

Nothing to get angry or lose sleep over right now.

[WeBleedRed 8]

http://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/

not there

http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/

well, not here either

IT'S ALL BULLs***!

Z is gonna stay, I know it. He has too much character to do anything as naive as this. This "blog" has about as much of a trust factor as a guy in a bank with a gun.

[LeftWinger 5,153]

...lets just say, I hope he did deny rejecting this offer (if it even was an offer) because if he rejects something like that, then adieu! I understand, though he may not want to get tied down to a 10 year deal, when in fact come 5-8 years down the road, he may be making crap comapred to others around the league, so yeah, 10 years is a long time, BUT if they offer something like 7 per season for 5 years he better sign it. He REALLY doesn't deserve more than Datsyuk, but I understand that he would like somewhere between Nick and Pav. But maybe he wants to full house, then see ya! Fanzen is too important to this team to give Zetterberg ALL the money and let Franzen, Hossa, Hudler & Kopecky go! I would hope that Hank sees that his contract (in that scenario) would really hurt this team. Sure we have some youngins down in GRR waiting to come up, but like someone said in a different thread, you cannot go to the youths all at once!

...if Zetterberg knows what is best for his success (he will not have as much elsewhere) he'll take it easy on the cap, so we can get Franzen signed. I guess if we losr Hudler and Kopecky that would be better than losing Franzen as well, but in my opinion if Zetterberg wants to be greedy, then it is makes more business sense to sign Franzen, Hudler, Kopecky and see who is ready in GRR to be the #2 centerman...

...Zetterberg no more than $7,000,000...

[TheOwl 77]

Hudler must be re-signed for a long-term deal. He's a steal, and is producing amazing numbers. No wonder Zetterberg denies rejecting this offer, he would be a complete moron not to take it. I've always been a huge Zetterberg fan, but if he wants more then 6.7 million a season, let him go. Theirs plenty of more players who would gladly take a discount to play with the Wings. Does Zetterberg deserve over 7.5 million? He's not exactly putting up numbers like Datsyuk or Hossa, or any other star player around the league. He's playing good, but not 7.45 million a season good. I think it'll come down to resigning Hudler for 3 million, Sammy for 2 million, Flipulla getting traded, Franzen for around 5, and either Hossa or Zetterberg for 6.7. Sammy and Hudler are really key pieces of the team, and losing Zetterberg or Hossa doesn't mean the team will be worse. It'll just mean more pressure on the other dozen people who can actually score.

Even if Zetterberg and Hossa both leave, the Wings still would be an elite team. They would have cap space to bring in a star goalie, and another second line forward. The other problem is, the Wings got no rookies. Maybe one or two big players leaving would give some Grand Rapids kids to get their start finally. I really don't understand why these players turn down discounts. I mean, is their a huge difference between making 6.7 million and 7.45 million a season? Is that really a huge difference over the course of a 15-20 season career? It's just money.

Edited January 16, 2009 by TheOwl

[Drake_Marcus 890]

the wings are the only franchise (since i have been on earth) in the nhl who have been able to keep together a cup contending team for the last 15+ years (imo). Players should come here for cheap, and stay here because- the owner will take care of you, and you have a better chance of winning here than anywhere else. if he wants to be another "91"...let him be a star with all his money.

Fail.

I remember the situation with Feds very well. So I'll quickly enlighten you. Detroit dropped a year off the contract without warning Fedorov or giving him time to think about the situation. He had just fired his agent and was dealing with the contract talks on his own at that point, was tied up in a messy divorce and felt hurt by the contract talks and the bitter feelings that popped up there (emotional baggage is one reason why agents are an important middle man in contract talks).

Anahiem offered him less money per year, but for a longer period of time. Many speculate that Fedorov wanted a chance to be the main man in his hockey market- something he'd never have with Stevie around. He felt slighted and underapprecited by the Wings management as a result of the bitter contract disputes and most of all he wasn't really in the best frame of mind at that point. I honestly feel for him- it was a messed up situation and the Wings did screw him when they dropped a year off the contract and refused to give him time to consider the new development.

The point is that Fedorov ended up being paid less in Anaheim and left a good deal of emotional baggage behind in Detroit.

The bitterness behind most Detroit fans treatment of Feds is because of his contract hold out in the 97-98 season that ended with him signing an offer sheet from Carolina. (you'd understand if you knew just how dominant a player he was at that point in his career and that he hadn't yet had his "payday" to at least make up for the ridiculous dominance he displayed on the ice).

Fedorov would have had his number retired if he stayed here for his entire career- he was that important. His playoff scoring numbers in Detroit were insane. He was third in playoff scoring during the nineties (behind Lemeuix and Jagr). He's one of only 3 players in NHL history to have 4 consecutive 20+ point playoff runs (Bossy and Trottier share the record with him).

Anyone who fails to recognize how much Fedorov meant to Detroit and how critical he was to those three cups is just a moron.

[bogeygolfer 4]

that's more like it

aint going to happen.

I remember in the summer there was a rumor Zetterberg was offered a long term contract for 7.5 a year. But he want more money, pointing to the contract Staal had just signed

[Broken 16 381]

Nothing to see here...

Edited January 16, 2009 by Broken 16

[Broken 16 381]

This utterly ridiculous given the level of play Z exudes on both sides of the ice. This is by no means a shot on Pav because the guy is simply incredible in so many areas of the game, but there's a reason Z goes out with Lilja and Lids on the 5-on-3 PK. While Dats certainly has more how-the-f***-did-he-do-that moves than Z and probably even creates space a little better than Z, Hank is still the better defender. For all we've been told it also seems he's continuing to groomed for the captaincy and the guy steps up as much as anyone when it counts (playoffs, late game scoring ability).

Z is not as replaceable as you seem to think he his.

Its amazing how much clarity comes when you care more about the Red Wings than any individual player... sound familiar? You should follow your own advice.

Zetterberg is a product of the Red Wings. The Wings are NOT a product of Zetterberg. No one piece is more imporatant than the whole. Look how many great players have come and go since the early 90's. I'm not saying that the Wings wouldn't be stung if Zetterberg packed, but they would recover. They always do.

[FireCaptain 563]

http://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/

not there

http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/

well, not here either

IT'S ALL BULLs***!

Z is gonna stay, I know it. He has too much character to do anything as naive as this. This "blog" has about as much of a trust factor as a guy in a bank with a gun.

In fairness, I go into my bank with my gun all the time. Much like Z's contract, it's all about security.

[Drake_Marcus 890]

In fairness, I go into my bank with my gun all the time. Much like Z's contract, it's all about security.

Because you're definitely going to blow away that bank robber and save everyone. That or start a firefight that kills you and other innocent bystanders.

I'd rather just hit the floor, live and let the cops and security do their jobs. Were I an off-duty swat team dude, hell yeah I'd roll with my piece tucked in my jeans.

[CrabCZ 0]

Agreed. He hasn't shown the ability to play a full season either only averaging about 70 games a season (may be off by a one or three game average). I hope this report isn't true and that an offer like that wouldn't be rejected by a man who said he wants to finish his career in Detroit. With a 10 year contract at 75 million, if they frontloaded the crap out of that contract he could be making something like:

1-20

2-15

3-10

4-7

5-5

6-5

7-5

8-3

9-3

10-2

75 million, year to year <50% reduction per CBA contract rules.

Then again it could look something way different lol.

Why? Let inflation do its job.

year 1 - 5M .......... 5% infl ..... 5,0% cumulative infl...... 4,76M real value

year 2 - 5M .......... 4% .......... 9,2% ........................... 4,58M

year 3 - 5M .......... 4% .......... 13,6% ......................... 4,40M

year 4 - 5M .......... 3% .......... 17,0% ......................... 4,27M

year 5 - 6M .......... 3% .......... 20,5% ......................... 4,98M

year 6 - 6M .......... 2% .......... 22,9% ......................... 4,88M

year 7 - 6M .......... 3% .......... 26,6% ......................... 4,74M

year 8 - 7M .......... 4% .......... 31,7% ......................... 5,32M

year 9 - 10M ........ 3% .......... 35,7% ......................... 7,37M

year 10 - 20M ...... 3% .......... 39,8% ......................... 14,30M

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

10 years / 59,6M

Edited January 16, 2009 by CrabCZ

[swiss_fan 3]

Why? Let inflation do its job.

year 1 - 5M .......... 5% infl ..... 5,0% cumulative infl...... 4,76M real value

year 2 - 5M .......... 4% .......... 9,2% ........................... 4,58M

year 3 - 5M .......... 4% .......... 13,6% ......................... 4,40M

year 4 - 5M .......... 3% .......... 17,0% ......................... 4,27M

year 5 - 6M .......... 3% .......... 20,5% ......................... 4,98M

year 6 - 6M .......... 2% .......... 22,9% ......................... 4,88M

year 7 - 6M .......... 3% .......... 26,6% ......................... 4,74M

year 8 - 7M .......... 4% .......... 31,7% ......................... 5,32M

year 9 - 10M ........ 3% .......... 35,7% ......................... 7,37M

year 10 - 20M ...... 3% .......... 39,8% ......................... 14,30M

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

10 years / 59,6M

Sometimes, people should really think about what they are writing, before to write it...

[rage 24]

In fairness, I go into my bank with my gun all the time. Much like Z's contract, it's all about security.

This made my Morning!!!