Free Agents

[Kathleen]

In the event something is reached July 1, and there is hockey come next October, I was curious of this summers free agent list.

I've looked online, but could only find past years. I'm all for Quinn and about six leafs going. Renberg, Reichel, Antropov, Francis, Neuendyke, and Nolan. Maybe on Tucker, McCabe and Mogilney. I would base those last three on training camp. McCabe is great, but lacks disipline, and could be good trade bait.

I would really like to see the ones always hurt, slow, or floaters gone. I have no objections to Toronto testing the free agent pool as longs as they are gritty, fast , and are young.

Does anyone know where to find a list of this summers free agents? Some of the key names?

Kathleen

[Goober Mcfly]

West

http://mb3.theinsiders.com/fphoenixcoyotesfrm1.showMessage?topicID=558.topic

East

http://mb3.theinsiders.com/fphoenixcoyotesfrm1.showMessage?topicID=557.topic

[Kathleen]

Goober - you rock! Thanks.

I can't believe Boston with all the group III & VI unrestricted free agents. Its almost the whole team. Some wicked players available this summer.

[Goober Mcfly]

Originally posted by Kathleen
Goober - you rock!If you only knew.

[Kathleen]

How cool, Kidd is a Free agent..whew! Please lose Quinn before he resigns him, and Reichel.

Some of the key names I like are.. (* beside a real favorite)

Byron Dafoe, (III)
*Glen Murray, (III)
*Micheal Nylander, (III)
Jiri Slegr, (III)
Rob Zaumner, (III)
*Nikolai Khabibulin, (III)
Craig Conroy, (III)
Kryzstoff Oliwa, (III)
Chris Simon, (III)
Kris Draper, (III)
Tomas Holmstrom, (III)
*Niklas Lidstrom, (III)
*Brendan Shanahan, (III)
James Patrick, (III)
Alexei Zhitnik, (III)
*Corey Schwab, (III)
Boris Mironov, (III)
Keith Primeau, (III)
Alexei Zhamnov, (III)
Mario Lemieux, (III) (Haha)
Dallas Drake, (III)
*Mike Ricci, (III)

[Ranger68]

Almost all of this is going to have to wait until the CBA is done.
I'll bet practically none of these guys get signed until then.

[The Doctor]

I don't know how accurate or complete those lists arebut nice job Goober. OK, you rock! I thought Roberts was a free agent and the only players under contract with the Leafs were Mats, Almo, Nolan and now Leetch. It definitely leaves lots of options, but I don't think you part with any of those four. You need a solid goaltender and while I like Eddie, with the back problems, he doesn't warrant what he's getting this year.

As far as McCabe goes I think the bashing is a little unwarrented Kathleen. He's one of the hardest working and most disciplined Leafs. you don't keep an "A" on your sweater with a roster like that if you don't deserve it and teamed with Leetch for another year he might actually be the Norris candidate everyone pegged him to be. Marchment earned himself another contract in my mind.

Tucker is worth bringing back and so is Domi, but not at that price. I didn't think Roberts was as effective this year as he has been in the past and I believe Joe outplayed him. Reichel and Renberg won't be back because they're going to retire.

Right now it's tough to say who to add because it all depends on whether JFJ buys into Quinn's fun-and-gun style. I hope he does because the New Jersey devils in Leafs uniforms is not an appealing thought...Cups or not.

[the_big_E]

Lidstrom signed a 2 year extension with Detroit already

[n_v]

Originally posted by The Doctor
Right now it's tough to say who to add because it all depends on whether JFJ buys into Quinn's fun-and-gun style. I hope he does because the New Jersey devils in Leafs uniforms is not an appealing thought...Cups or not.
I hope he doesn't adopt Quinn's style. Quinn's style is to sign a bunch of old farts who are injury prone and deny young hungry healthy players their rightful spot on the ice and work with them to develop them further.

[reaper29]

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Kathleen
[B] I'm all for Quinn and about six leafs going. Renberg, Reichel, Antropov, Francis, Neuendyke, and Nolan. Maybe on Tucker, McCabe and Mogilney. I would base those last three on training camp. McCabe is great, but lacks disipline, and could be good trade bait.

I agree with some of your selections but I think you are a little harsh with some of your calls. After you first four picks you are way off. Besides, Mogilney probably won't be back next year even if we wanted him. Are you sure you aren't Harold Ballard re-encarnated?? :)

[Johnny Wadd]

Originally posted by reaper29
I agree with some of your selections but I think you are a little harsh with some of your calls. After you first four picks you are way off. Besides, Mogilney probably won't be back next year even if we wanted him. Are you sure you aren't Harold Ballard re-encarnated?? :)

First off, it's Mogilny, and he's under contract for next year along with Sundin, Nolan, Leetch, Domi, Stajan, Kilger, Perrott and Belak.

Those Leafs who definitely won't be back are; Calle Johansson, Mickael Renberg, and Robert Reichel since the Leafs won't offer him $3.25 mil US.

I'd like to see Belfour signed for another year although he's already turned down the first offer of 6 mil a year. I would also like to see Robert and Newy back!

[reaper29]

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Johnny Wadd
[B]First off, it's Mogilny, and he's under contract for next year along with Sundin, Nolan, Leetch, Domi, Stajan, Kilger, Perrott and Belak.

Well Mr. WADD,

Aren't you just a plethora of trivial information!! I do humbly apologize for mispelling Almo's name. Have a nice cup of wadd and chill out!

[Kathleen]

reaper29 - If the names you don't agree with are Nieuendyke, Nolan, Tucker, McCabe and Mogilny, here is why I added them.

Joe and Owen are amazing, but old, and often hurt. Thats nothing but a distruption.
Tucker - Great at times, good scorer, and hitter. But like Reichel, can vanish in the way of production for ages.
Mogilny - Not the same player. After a season of rest, I'd base my decission on him with training camp.
McCabe - Great defence, I was only thinking to use him for a great young forward, or goalie.

Thanks
Kathleen

[reaper29]

Originally posted by Kathleen
reaper29 - If the names you don't agree with are Nieuendyke, Nolan, Tucker, McCabe and Mogilny, here is why I added them.

Joe and Owen are amazing, but old, and often hurt. Thats nothing but a distruption.

Thanks
Kathleen

That's an interesting theory Kathleen. If that's the case you should add Belfour to that list too. After all he's 39 with a wonky back. My opinion is that you need to find a mix of both youth and veteran leadship on the team. Niewy is old (37) but he can still outskate and outplay a young slug like Antropov.

I do agree with you that Quinn has to go. The Leafs lost because they was out coached by Hitchcock. Quinn is too loyal to too many of the player who didn't deserve the ice time and penalized his better players. eg, why was Domi used so sparely compared to others? Why didn't he use Stajan in this series? Maybe, I'm over analyzing because I'm bitter that they aren't going to win the cup again!! Just my 2 cents here.

[Kathleen]

Belfour isn't on the list because I am sure he was gonna retire. I believe he already turned down a one yr - 6 million offer. ( God just the sound of that is mad.. hell, I'll play for that nude!)

But do agree about the balance of old and young. The old ones I'd like to see stay are Sundin, Roberts, Leetch, Klee, Marchment, Domi. That to me is a nice core.

[pistol]

Ranger I understand what you are saying, but just for example the Leafs very few players signed for next season as has been pointed out. what happens if the lockout/strike strike ends in between Nov and jan (pick a year) and the season is scheduled to resume. Do JFJ and the other GM go on a binge signing whoever is out there? Or will some of these guys be inked prior to Sept 15th with cancellation clauses if there is a work stoppage?

[The Doctor]

The Leafs have to plan for next season like it was any other and they know what the owners are pushing for as far as a cap amount ($30 - $35 million). If the cap doesn't come in then there won't be hockey. The Leafs will have a $55 million payroll if they resign all their qualified and free agents such as Joe, Gary and Marchment. That's way over the limit and would be a hefty tax to pay.

I don't understand why Sundin takes such a beating from the fans when everyone in the dressing room believes he is a great captain. As far as trading him, I really don't think there'd be a big market for him given his age and contract. Anyone with good young prospects will be holding onto them because of the potential new CBA.

McCabe is a hot commodity because he is the so-called "stud" defenseman that everyone is looking for. So why trade him? He's probably due for a big raise if he goes to arbitration this year so that may narrow the market for him as well.


Orignially posted by Kathleen( God just the sound of that is mad.. hell, I'll play for that nude!)

Where's the season ticket line?

[n_v]

Originally posted by pistol
Do JFJ and the other GM go on a binge signing whoever is out there? Or will some of these guys be inked prior to Sept 15th with cancellation clauses if there is a work stoppage?
pistol - nobody really knows the answer to that except the GM's in the NHL. They will know what they will do. You have to ask JFJ for that answer.

[bendova]

Belfour is looking for a long term deal.. They offered him 6 mill. a year for two years but he wants a longer deal. Who would sign a 39 yr old goalie with back problems to a 3 or 4 year deal worth 6-7 million a year.

[pistol]

NV I guess that's my point. If there is a $30-35M cap, the Leafs are in serious trouble. Those signed -Sundin, Nolan, Mogilny and Leetch make $27M or thereabouts. Should JFJ being buying out or dealing these guys to allow himself some room to maneuvre?

[n_v]

Originally posted by pistol
NV I guess that's my point. If there is a $30-35M cap, the Leafs are in serious trouble. Those signed -Sundin, Nolan, Mogilny and Leetch make $27M or thereabouts. Should JFJ being buying out or dealing these guys to allow himself some room to maneuvre?
It's just speculation right now. Nothing will be known until a new CBA is hammered out. That $30-$35 million cap is put out by the owners but that doesn't mean it will be accepted by the players. It is just a starting point in negotiations and I feel a $37-$42 million cap is more what they will agree upon. So that gives the higher budget teams some more leeway to keep their high priced players. Again this is all speculation. I say gut the team (players, coaches, managers, presidents) and start over. Keep the young guys like Kaberle, Pono, Antropov, Stajan, even McCabe, Sundin, Klee and a few others. Build the rest through the draft and/or trades (Leetch for some prospects), and give some kids from the baby Leafs a chance (a real chance) to earn a spot. Championship teams, and dynasties for that matter, are built through the draft and not on one off free agent signings. But for this to take place the mindset has to change from the top. These people bring in the players in and that to me includes firing Quinn, JFJ, Peddie and all the scouts.

[pistol]

I agree the number will be significantly different. Even at $42M the Leafs have little flexibility. $27M for 4 players. $15M for the remainder of the team? If you want Eddie back, another $7-8M gone from wht budget.
Further, trying to deal these guys in a market where the cap may be a reality will be very difficult ie Jagr. You may be paying half the salary to get someone else to take them, not because they are bad players, but because you can't afford them.

[Ranger68]

Bah. There won't be a hard cap. No way, no how - the players will NEVER IN A MILLION YEARS allow it to be that way.
It'll be soft, allowing teams who want to spend the money to do so, but be penalized for it.

[n_v]

Don't recall where anyone said there would be a hard cap.

[Peace4u]

Originally posted by Ranger68
Bah. There won't be a hard cap. No way, no how - the players will NEVER IN A MILLION YEARS allow it to be that way.
It'll be soft, allowing teams who want to spend the money to do so, but be penalized for it. i,ll disagree with you there.T.V. ratingings in the U.S. are terrible.No way they can continue to pay players that much money.Plus they will introduce a 62 game schedule,i hear.

[n_v]

Originally posted by Peace4u
Plus they will introduce a 62 game schedule,i hear.
I hear they are tossing around a 72 game one. don't see that happening as revenues will fall also. This to me is the biggest bluff by the owners to scare the players. Besides with less home dates it means the arena is sitting empty.

[impala77]

Isn't the idea of a shorter schedule being tossed around to permit the playoffs and cup final to start sooner and maybe even end before the middle of june? This is something that could work in the NHL's favour. If in fact they do start the playoffs earlier the league might attract more TV viewers if they can avoid competing with the start of the MLB season and the NBA playoffs.

[n_v]

Originally posted by impala77
Isn't the idea of a shorter schedule being tossed around to permit the playoffs and cup final to start sooner and maybe even end before the middle of june? This is something that could work in the NHL's favour. If in fact they do start the playoffs earlier the league might attract more TV viewers if they can avoid competing with the start of the MLB season and the NBA playoffs.
If they were really concerned about that then why are we sitting here with no hockey for 4 days?

[impala77]

how the heck should i know? probably because they expected all of the series to go 7 games and can't (won't) make arrangements in the various arenas to start sooner.

[n_v]

Before they bent over and cracked open their ass for the American TV networks, the NHL always expidited the various series to start as soon as can be. Arenas back then had bookings also so that don't hold water either.

[scubadoo]

Originally posted by n_v
I hear they are tossing around a 72 game one. don't see that happening as revenues will fall also. This to me is the biggest bluff by the owners to scare the players. Besides with less home dates it means the arena is sitting empty.

I actually believe the players want a shorter season! I also believe that we would see a better product if the players had a little more time to rest between games. I can remember Ottawa playing 4 games in 6 nights in March, mean while, they played only 3 home in March at home and 16 on the road. I think the players would support a reduced schedule.

[n_v]

Originally posted by scubadoo
I actually believe the players want a shorter season! I also believe that we would see a better product if the players had a little more time to rest between games. I can remember Ottawa playing 4 games in 6 nights in March, mean while, they played only 3 home in March at home and 16 on the road. I think the players would support a reduced schedule.
I am not saying they wouldn't either. On the face of it, but they must realize that a 12% reduction in the schedule also translates to a 12% reduction in salary.

[Johnny Wadd]

Originally posted by Cnd-Guy
Whatever you do don't spell Edie Vin Hellen's name wrong

Oh, that's right! We mustn't forget that you are the Van Halen expert here! :rolleyes:

[Johnny Wadd]

Originally posted by reaper29
Aren't you just a plethora of trivial information!! I do humbly apologize for mispelling Almo's name. Have a nice cup of wadd and chill out!

Take er easy der creaper. Just wanted to set the record straight on Alex The Great, dats all.
Cup of wadd? that wasn't very nice was it now creap?

[reaper29]

Originally posted by Johnny Wadd
that wasn't very nice was it now creap?

No it wasn't nice.....but I'd do it again. Creap eh?? Wow that was low! Be thankful I didn't call you Ron Jeremy or would that be a compliment?? :) Have a NICE day man!

[Johnny Wadd]

Originally posted by reaper29
No it wasn't nice.....but I'd do it again. Creap eh?? Wow that was low! Be thankful I didn't call you Ron Jeremy or would that be a compliment?? :) Have a NICE day man!

Oh c'mon! it's all fun and games till someone loses an eye. Let's see, Ron Jeremy vs the King of Porn as in Johnny Holmes? Not even in the same class. Ron couldn't hold a candle to the legend of Holmes with the exception of dodging the virus that got John.
In any event, at least we are both Leaf fans and may next year ( if there is hockey) finally be the year Stanley comes to town!

[reaper29]

Originally posted by Johnny Wadd
Let's see, Ron Jeremy vs the King of Porn as in Johnny Holmes? Not even in the same class. Ron couldn't hold a candle to the legend of Holmes with the exception of dodging the virus that got John.


That is true but rumour has it since John Holmes actually made gay porn during his career John could hold a candle...in his arse...lol. Sorry, I couldn't resist. You're ok in my books and I won't throw any more low blows (bad choice of words) at ya. :)

Cheers,

[Johnny Wadd]

Originally posted by reaper29
That is true but rumour has it since John Holmes actually made gay porn during his career John could hold a candle...in his arse...lol. Sorry, I couldn't resist. You're ok in my books and I won't throw any more low blows (bad choice of words) at ya. :)

Cheers,

Are you serious? Gay porn rumour? I did not know that!!!
I wasn't even born when the dude was basically screwing everything that walked and some...

Cheers brother.

[revolver]

Not a rumour, it was quite well known that Johnnie did gay porn.

[iam0234]

There is a rumour that Sundin will be traded for Ron Jeremy next year. Scouting report on this guy is unbelievable:

“ Strengths: A stud and ultimate power forward for any team. Fantastic skills with his natural stick, that doesn’t break. Can score anywhere and at will. Explosive shots yet finesse both in front and behind the mark. Can play multiple positions for up to 20 minutes per shift. Can bang any kind of bodies and equally capable of being banged. Tremendous team player, great in power plays and in short-handed situations. A tireless worker with a great heart. Most importantly, Ron Jeremy is a veteran – over 40 – fits into Leafs dressing room right away.”

“Weaknesses: Skating is a suspect, though better than Antropov’s. Slow release - tends to hold on to shots for too long. Much like Roberts, plays his game too much on his bum. Shots are somewhat predictable, often at the opponent’s 5-holes.”

“Conclusion: at $5,000 a game, this guy is the final piece the team needs to bring home the Cup.”

[Ranger68]

Originally posted by Peace4u
i,ll disagree with you there.T.V. ratingings in the U.S. are terrible.No way they can continue to pay players that much money.Plus they will introduce a 62 game schedule,i hear.

I think the schedule may very well be cut back, but they'll deal with the high salaries with a SOFT cap, I'd suspect.
If the owners stick to their guns and demand a hard cap, it'll be a long time before there's NHL hockey anywhere.