Hossa's agent weighs in on Zetterberg deal

[40#1Fan 0]

http://blog.mlive.com/snapshots/2009/01/ho...in_on_zett.html

Posted by George James Malik January 28, 2009 13:37PM

The Edmonton Journal's Jim Matheson spoke to player agent Rich Winter about both the long-term deal Detroit Red Wings forward Henrik Zetterberg will sign today and the inclination of his client, Marian Hossa, to attempt to stay with Detroit as well:

January 28, Edmonton Journal: "I guess you could look at [Zetterberg's deal] as a hometown discount," said player agent Ritch Winter, who represents unrestricted free-agent Marian Hossa, who signed a one-year contract in Detroit last July for $7.4 million even though he could have taken much more from the Edmonton Oilers in a long-term deal. Hossa opted to go with the Wings because he felt they had a better chance to win a Stanley Cup.

"How do you compare security against the hometown discount," Winter said. "As the years extend to the ninth, 10th, 11th and 12th, it's pretty challenging to also get the money. Security in this day and age with the economy so uncertain is a huge factor." In every deal, there is money and opportunity. ... Henrik hasn't known anything (but winning) playing in Detroit, and at the end of the day, you take that into consideration."

...

If Zetterberg's cap hit is only $6 million a year, the Wings would have 17 players under contract for next season at a little more than $47 million in total. That doesn't leave them a lot of wiggle room to try and resign UFAs like Hossa and Johan Franzen, who have 44 goals between them, and group-two free-agent Jiri Hudler, who has 39 points playing just 131/2 minutes a game. In a perfect world, they would like to keep Hossa, but if he wants more money, then Franzen and Hudler might be manageable signings.

"Marian likes Detroit; he's had a great time there and we've had discussions with Ken (Holland), but he wanted to get Henrik done first," said Winter. "One of his priorities with Marian is trying to figure out how he can stay there."

Crazy suggestion of the day: Hossa or Franzen may have to take a one-year haircut until Nicklas Lidstrom's salary comes off the books, at which point I would imagine Lidstrom would be more inclined to sign a lower-dollar-figure deal to keep his teammates around.

[KrazyGangsta 79]

Get Hossa signed ... we need to hope now that our rookies can pan out like zetterberg and datsyuk, playing with cheap contracts like 2.5 a year for a good 4-5 years.

[Legendary D In 03 50]

Crazy suggestion of the day: Hossa or Franzen may have to take a one-year haircut until Nicklas Lidstrom's salary comes off the books, at which point I would imagine Lidstrom would be more inclined to sign a lower-dollar-figure deal to keep his teammates around.

This.

Word,

LDi03

[Ms_Hockey 0]

I'd get Franzen first.. and I know people are going to disagree with me left and right here.

Franzen has already made a name for himself with the team. He's already made a niche for himself. He knows his roll. He knows the players. He knows their strengths and weaknesses. And he fits in perfectly with the team.

Now, I'm not trying to say that Hossa doesn't.. but he's not near the level Franzen is. I'd hate to go for Hossa first with the hope that he will some day mesh with the team the way that Franzen and others do - and then have him leave after the next season. Of course, I'm not saying this WILL happen.. but the Wings organization is set up as a very tight-knit family. Some of these guys have been with each other their entire careers. Hossa is a great goal scorer, but there's other aspects to look at when deciding who to put first.

Edited January 28, 2009 by Ms_Hockey

[Holmstrom96 347]

Hossa's great, but I think we've got enough young talent that can step up if we can't keep him.

[Datsyerberger 279]

I'd get Franzen first.. and I know people are going to disagree with me left and right here.

Franzen has already made a name for himself with the team. He's already made a niche for himself. He knows his roll. He knows the players. He knows their strengths and weaknesses. And he fits in perfectly with the team.

Now, I'm not trying to say that Hossa doesn't.. but he's not near the level Franzen is. I'd hate to go for Hossa first with the hope that he will some day mesh with the team the way that Franzen and others do - and then have him leave after the next season. Of course, I'm not saying this WILL happen.. but the Wings organization is set up as a very tight-knit family. Some of these guys have been with each other their entire careers. Hossa is a great goal scorer, but there's other aspects to look at when deciding who to put first.

I'm going to go the opposite way and say (that with this new Zetterberg contract) Hossa is the best option. Drafting/Developing/Signing two 2nd liners is a lot easier than signing and retaining a top 10 forward.

But! The frigging awesome thing about this situation is we can't go wrong either way, and will have an awesome team regardless of which of these players we keep.

[Ms_Hockey 0]

I'm going to go the opposite way and say (that with this new Zetterberg contract) Hossa is the best option. Drafting/Developing/Signing two 2nd liners is a lot easier than signing and retaining a top 10 forward.

But! The frigging awesome thing about this situation is we can't go wrong either way, and will have an awesome team regardless of which of these players we keep.

You're absolutely right. No matter which way we go, we're going to have a winning team.

I'd still be a little upset to see Franzen go. He was drafted, trained, and basically created by the Wings. But, at the same time, if he feels an allegiance to this team.. he'll be okay with taking a pay cut.

[egroen 384]

I'd get Franzen first.. and I know people are going to disagree with me left and right here.

Franzen has already made a name for himself with the team. He's already made a niche for himself. He knows his roll. He knows the players. He knows their strengths and weaknesses. And he fits in perfectly with the team.

Now, I'm not trying to say that Hossa doesn't.. but he's not near the level Franzen is. I'd hate to go for Hossa first with the hope that he will some day mesh with the team the way that Franzen and others do - and then have him leave after the next season. Of course, I'm not saying this WILL happen.. but the Wings organization is set up as a very tight-knit family. Some of these guys have been with each other their entire careers. Hossa is a great goal scorer, but there's other aspects to look at when deciding who to put first.

I could very well be wrong, but I will give my impression.

Franzen was a BEAR to sign last time, and that was when he was a 3rd line checker. He has never had his big payday and this might be his only chance in his career to really cash in -- and his value will probably never be higher. There are teams out there that would kill to have someone his size, that is defensively responsible, has a nose for the net with good hands and is a Stanley Cup winner who turned it up several notches in the playoffs. $5 million minimum and possibly even as high as $6 million is his value right now on the open market.

Holland might get him to sign for $4-5 million.

But if Hossa is willing to sign for as low as around $6 million, like Zetterberg? I don't know if you can pass up that opportunity. Hossa has already had his big pay checks, and from every word we have read, is at a point where he just wants to win and stay with a team he fits in with.

If the difference of signing them is only $1-2 million, I think you have to go with Hossa. If it is more than that, I think Franzen starts making a stronger case.

[Hockeytown_Ryan 122]

the thing that makes me wonder is this .. Holland said Wait till the numbers come out... who knows what Z's salary hit is actually gonna be next year what if it is only like 4 mill ??? that gives Holland a little wiggle room right there He was smiling when he mentioned the numbers nad how comfortable he was and to mention that He has had talks with Hossa's agent regaurding a long therm deal....I think we could see the Magic in that hat come out one more time folks!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Zata fan 40 6]

god, tough to pick who,but right now which ever gets two out of three will make me content...Hossa,Franzen, Hudler...

[Datsyerberger 279]

You're absolutely right. No matter which way we go, we're going to have a winning team.

I'd still be a little upset to see Franzen go. He was drafted, trained, and basically created by the Wings. But, at the same time, if he feels an allegiance to this team.. he'll be okay with taking a pay cut.

I'd be sad to see him go, too. But I'd be equally happy to see a player that the Wings developed from a seemingly 3rd line talent into a 2nd/1st line scorer make it big for a few years and retire happy. He was a big part of a cup run for us. If he wishes to move on to make some money, he gets my blessings.

[Ms_Hockey 0]

I could very well be wrong, but I will give my impression.

Franzen was a BEAR to sign last time, and that was when he was a 3rd line checker. He has never had his big payday and this might be his only chance in his career to really cash in -- and his value will probably never be higher. There are teams out there that would kill to have someone his size, that is defensively responsible, has a nose for the net with good hands and is a Stanley Cup winner who turned it up several notches in the playoffs. $5 million minimum and possibly even as high as $6 million is his value right now on the open market.

Holland might get him to sign for $4-5 million.

But if Hossa is willing to sign for as low as around $6 million, like Zetterberg? I don't know if you can pass up that opportunity. Hossa has already had his big pay checks, and from every word we have read, is at a point where he just wants to win and stay with a team he fits in with.

If the difference of signing them is only $1-2 million, I think you have to go with Hossa. If it is more than that, I think Franzen starts making a stronger case.

You could be right. I don't know how it was signing Franzen last season.. and if he's looking for the big bucks, then it definitely won't be with this team.

I just feel that he fits in better with the Wings, due to the extra time spent here over Hossa. But if either one of them is looking to drain our cap, then let them walk. I'll be sad to see him go, but I'd rather have players willing to take the cut to play for the team than ones who demand more from us than we can give.

[k3sparks 1]

In all honesty we could not sign any of those three and i still would not be that disappointed. That is how much i trust Kenny "God" Holland.

[R.Rabbit 0]

Here's a thought. Bring in Nicky now, sit down and talk/work out an agreement/understanding that when his contrat is up in 2yrs (??) that he'll sign for less (6mil x ___yrs). Then sign BOTH Hossa and the Mule for less than their worth for the first two years with a jump of 1-2mil at the 3rd year through the ___yr. An escalating contract.

This way everyones stays plus the team has talent AND depth for the foreseeable future. You know Nicky will do it. Look at the teams history, Stevie, Shanney, Hull, etc took less to get Hasak and to play together. Choice #1 Take less, make the team stronger with the opportunity to be in the play-offs every year (translation = opportunity to win the Cup) or Choice #2 take more money and play in.... and not even potentially make the playoffs.

Plus some of the younger kids will hopefully look at the organization and go "Hmmmmm, sign for 2-3 here and be assured playoffs or take 3-4 and cross my fingers with some other team. Everyone one wants to make the money and be on the first line, but is 3rd line really that bad when you're raising the Cup?

win-win-win for everyone - players, team and us the fans

just my 1.5 cents

[Vladifan 680]

I'd get Franzen first.. and I know people are going to disagree with me left and right here.

Franzen has already made a name for himself with the team. He's already made a niche for himself. He knows his roll. He knows the players. He knows their strengths and weaknesses. And he fits in perfectly with the team.

However. The word seems to be on more than one message board here that Franzen will probably want to test the market. He's not paid enough in Deetroit. He knows it. "They" know it. If he chooses to stay he will probably want bigger bucks than Holland is willing to pay.

The ideal (and probably lala land) situation is that Franzen wants to stay and is willing to give something up to do it. Doesn't sound like that's the concensus here.

[Ozzie30 170]

You could potentially sign franzen and hossa if they take similar deals to z's. Say hossa 8 years at 39.5mil, final 3 at 1mil (easy to buy out) and mule at 8 years 25.5, last 3 1mil. Trim some fat, ie sammy, malts and drapes, to squeeze in huds, bring up a combination of helm, leino, and abby and we're good to go.

[Vladifan 680]

Here's a thought. Bring in Nicky now, sit down and talk/work out an agreement/understanding that when his contrat is up in 2yrs (??) that he'll sign for less (6mil x ___yrs). Then sign BOTH Hossa and the Mule for less than their worth for the first two years with a jump of 1-2mil at the 3rd year through the ___yr. An escalating contract.

This way everyones stays plus the team has talent AND depth for the foreseeable future. You know Nicky will do it. Look at the teams history, Stevie, Shanney, Hull, etc took less to get Hasak and to play together. Choice #1 Take less, make the team stronger with the opportunity to be in the play-offs every year (translation = opportunity to win the Cup) or Choice #2 take more money and play in.... and not even potentially make the playoffs.

Plus some of the younger kids will hopefully look at the organization and go "Hmmmmm, sign for 2-3 here and be assured playoffs or take 3-4 and cross my fingers with some other team. Everyone one wants to make the money and be on the first line, but is 3rd line really that bad when you're raising the Cup?

win-win-win for everyone - players, team and us the fans

just my 1.5 cents

I like it! This is kind of what I was trying to say on another board but you added specifics that seem to make it more realistic. OH, I hope, I hope, I hope.....

[Wombat 26]

Here's a thought. Bring in Nicky now, sit down and talk/work out an agreement/understanding that when his contrat is up in 2yrs (??) that he'll sign for less (6mil x ___yrs). Then sign BOTH Hossa and the Mule for less than their worth for the first two years with a jump of 1-2mil at the 3rd year through the ___yr. An escalating contract.

This way everyones stays plus the team has talent AND depth for the foreseeable future. You know Nicky will do it. Look at the teams history, Stevie, Shanney, Hull, etc took less to get Hasak and to play together. Choice #1 Take less, make the team stronger with the opportunity to be in the play-offs every year (translation = opportunity to win the Cup) or Choice #2 take more money and play in.... and not even potentially make the playoffs.

Plus some of the younger kids will hopefully look at the organization and go "Hmmmmm, sign for 2-3 here and be assured playoffs or take 3-4 and cross my fingers with some other team. Everyone one wants to make the money and be on the first line, but is 3rd line really that bad when you're raising the Cup?

win-win-win for everyone - players, team and us the fans

just my 1.5 cents

The problem is that the NHL does not calculate cap hits that way. The cap hit is the total contract value divided by the length of the contract. You can have varied values every year but that does not change the cap hit.

I just think Hossa is gone. Hopefully he gets his Cup this year before leaving!

[hockey&beer 16]

Just a bit of a side note...it will be damn near impossible to sign Leino. He is RFA next year and he'll probably catch more than a few good looks on the open market.

Along the same lines, Leino maybe the fall back if KH can't sign Hossa. He would come MUCH cheaper also at probably around 2.5-3.5. Yes Hossa is proven and Leino has yet to play in the big time, but that is a gamble and the Wings seem to have decent "luck" with the chances they take.

[R.Rabbit 0]

The problem is that the NHL does not calculate cap hits that way. The cap hit is the total contract value divided by the length of the contract. You can have varied values every year but that does not change the cap hit.

I just think Hossa is gone. Hopefully he gets his Cup this year before leaving!

Yeah, I was gonna put in my post, that I wasn't sure how all the monies played out year to year vs totals, etc witht he cap (jst forgot)

maybe Holland just needs to stretch some of them contracts to 10yrs

but I'm sure 'ol Kenny has a plan (His Grand Master Plan) *insert evil laugh & rub hands together* to keep as much talent as possible and still foster the 'family' that the Wings are known for.

Edited January 28, 2009 by R.Rabbit

[Never_Retire_Steve 35]

This will be interesting to see how this affects Hossa. Obviously I would love to see Hossa back here next year but I wouldn't mind seeing some of guys in the minors on this roster next year.

Also........ TWELVE ******* YEARS!?!?!?!?

[40#1Fan 0]

This is from a long article on MLIVE. Didn't copy the whole article, just the part about Hossa/Franzen (provided the link if anyone wants to read the whole article).

Early takes on the Zetterberg deal

http://blog.mlive.com/snapshots/2009/01/ea...zetterberg.html

From Kenny Holland

"I get the sense that Marian is prepared to work with us and so is Paul Theofanus (Franzen's agent. So we're going to sit and crunch numbers. The more the cap can go up, the more wiggle room we'll have. Maybe we can sign one guy now and wait into June on the other guy. So we've got tough decisions to make. Certainly, Marian's a guy we'd love to keep. Johan Franzen is a guy we'd love to keep. You can go on down the line - Hudler, Samuelsson. Long-winded answer, I'm negotiating with all these guys, but we're going to have to make a decision in the next four, five or six weeks, and then I'll shut it down until the playoffs are over."

Holland likes to say that in Detroit, the only thing he can sell is the hockey; no one comes for the weather. Considering the loyalty that the players demonstrate in return, it doesn't look as if that's about to change any time soon either.

[Never_Retire_Steve 35]

Ugh, I really hope that this doesn't come back to bite us in the ass if the cap shrinks in the next couple years.

Talking about signing all 3, love that we have Zetterberg signed.

[AtomicPunk 296]

If one of these guys leaves for the big payday, all Holland has to say is two words.

Martin LaPointe.

Hossa will still be a star no matter where he goes, but will Franzen?

I seriously think there will be one or more name players who will not be here next year. Trade deadline stuff. Cap space clearing, that kind of thing. Just a hunch.

Plus if we clear off McCarty, Chelios, etc. would that get us some more room to get it done? Obviously yes, but will it be enough?

Edited January 28, 2009 by AtomicPunk

[Opie 308]

Just a bit of a side note...it will be damn near impossible to sign Leino. He is RFA next year and he'll probably catch more than a few good looks on the open market.

Along the same lines, Leino maybe the fall back if KH can't sign Hossa. He would come MUCH cheaper also at probably around 2.5-3.5. Yes Hossa is proven and Leino has yet to play in the big time, but that is a gamble and the Wings seem to have decent "luck" with the chances they take.

Worst case scenario, Draft pick compensation!