The fact that you basically just assumed that I wrote that in relation to the fact that he's been here forever is ridiculous. Next time actually read my post and realize the reasoning behind it. It's beend one in the past, players have deferred salary or taken less so that a better team could be contructed. This is more than likely Lidstrom's last season, so it's not unthinkable that he may take a little less to help his team put an even better team out there to compete for the Cup (one last time - for Lids).
Is it going to happen, more than likely not, but again if you read my post and truly understood it, you would have seen where I wrote that I didn't have a problem if he didn't take a cut. You may also note that I was thinking a cut of 1.45 million, which if you were to include incentives, he more than likely would still take home the same amount of money. And the difference would then count against next years cap.
I know this reply was directed at swedishconnection, but I have some thoughts.
The problem with taking an incentive-laden contract is that Lids likely hits all them anyway, unless Kenny an Co. made them outrageous, which in that case...why would Lids even accept them.
As for taking a paycut, Lids took one last year likely not only to help his team bring in more talent, but also given his poor showing based on his standard of play. Now, even though he again played Norris caliber hockey this year, I still think he'll take a modest cut (I.E. $5.75-$6M), which is all any of us should even expect and most certainly something for which we should be thankful, not something he should be criticized for if he doesn't (not directed at you SwedeLundin77).
It's amazing how much clarity comes when you care more about the Red Wings than any individual player.
"They are the best team in the world. They are a team that can just take over when they want to," Chicago's Patrick Kane said (of the Detroit Red Wings).
