David Amber's column.
Ha.
He argues the top-ten most cap-strapping deals in the NHL. I say every single one, but ONE is erroneous.
Let's start with No. 10- Todd Bertuzzi:
Amber argues that Bertuzzi isn't worth the $8-million over two years. I say: Wrong. This 6-4, 230-pound winger is worth every penny. He may not have the numbers Ryan Getzlaf or Corey Perry do, but who goes into the corner and beats the bodies?
Bertuzzi.
Who drops the gloves in defense of these guys?
Bertuzzi.
Who is a solid voice in the locker room?
Oh...Bertuzzi.
And, finally, don't bring up Steve Moore. That's in the past. Let the last two years define who he is. And he's been an injury-prone, big winger. Nothing more; but, he does beat the bodies. And for me, he's worth more than the $4.25 the Thrashers pay Bobby Holik.
No. 9- Pavel Kubina
It's John Ferguson who signed him to this deal. Let's put it that way. Mats Sundin should have been gone from Leaf country years ago, yet this guy keeps has-beens and players signed to inflated contracts around.
1967.
No. 8- Dustin Penner.
Don't blame Pens. Blame Kevin Lowe who tried to rope a "young gun" under the new CBA. He failed with Vanek...might as well try Penner. Well, Brian Burke didn't argue and the Oil were stuck with a four-year, $20-million dollar deal on a rugged winger who hasn't proven himself yet.
Penner is a solid player, but no where near worth the contract he received. Kevin Lowe felt heat from the owners because he didn't land a high-profile free agent forward. Blame Lowe....Not Penner, David Amber.
No. 7- Kimmo Timonen
Holmgren has done a hell of a job as GM for Philly. Don't claim this contract is too much. Going from worst to a solid playoff team in less than eight months...Mad props to the Flyers and Paul Holmgren.
No. 6- Ed Jovanovski
JovoCop is the only thing going for Phoenix besides Gretzky. He'll be moved before the deadline. They signed him to this deal to atleast get a big name playing at Jobing.com Arena. David Amber, while you may not agree with this deal, without a Gold Medal winning defenseman, who
do the 'Yotes have?
Seriously?
Don't mock this contract.
No. 5- Michael Nylander
Should have stayed with Jagr on Broadway.
Washington?
Really?
Went for the money. Enough said.
No. 4- Tomas Vokoun
On paper Florida is a good team, but, unfortunately, paper isn't good enough. In July, I picked the Panthers to win the division. Vokoun replaces Luongo, who the Panthers SHOULD NEVER HAVE TRADED. Anyway...this contract tries to save Panthers management for trading Luongo for virtually nothing.
No. 3- Brad Richards
This inspired me to write this.
Brad Richards is the glue to the Lightning.
Go ask Jay Feaster, David Amber, if he thinks Richards is worth it. $7.8-million is enough to pay the former Conn Smyth winning player and quarterback of the power-play. While a two-man box is defending his laser shot, it creates enough room for Vinny and St. Louis to wreak havoc near the net. He may not be registering on the scoresheet as much as last year, but his awareness, shot and passing are invaluable. Learn the game, Amber. Learn it.
No. 2- Bryan McCabe.
Amber...You are correct. Blame Ferguson...
No.1- Zdeno Chara
David...If you were a forward....would you want Chara behind you or would you rather try to deke past him?
Exactly.
The only reason why this contract looks bad is he has no help besides Savard. Sure, Kessel is coming along...but besides that Boston is terrible. No goaltending, missing five defensmen and two lines....
The 6-9, 260-pound defenseman can only do so much.
Don't blame him and his contract. Blame the GM for not giving him and Savard enough talent to compete every night.
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10 comments:
While I disagree with some of your assessments, Brad Richards is the glue of the Lightning and Vinnie and St. Louis would not be nearly as good or effective as they are without Richards in the lineup. You have to pay for great 2-way players - and Richards is one.
I dont think it was about whether or not it was worth it, a la Richards, but whether the contract handicaps the team from future moves.
I think Chara definitely has to be one of the biggest disappointments so far. If he doesn't pick up his play, his contract is really going to cripple Boston.
for 7.5 million you're not supposed to rely on your supporting cast to win, you're supposed to create wins and make your supporting cast better. Does Chara really make his supporting cast any better?
Ya but thats not the point. He can't push the team over the brink of success when they're at the bottom of the mountain. It's not like he has a solid supporting cast to lift up, theres NObody thats really any good besides Savvy on that team, and Chara can't do anything about that.
While that may be true, the purpose of the article was to point out that giving Chara 7.5 mil for way too long is going to create a problem. You can't fix your car by buying a chrome steering wheel when the engine is rusted out.
Granted it's not Chara's fault, but that signing is going to haunt Boston if they can't trade him. They need help on defense, goaltending, and forwards, which is basically the whole team. Don;t blame Chara, he's not the one who decided to offer himself this ridiculous contract.
Enough about Chara. I kinda agree about Jovo too. Even though he's one of the better players on the team, its the same scenario as Chara, except with age thrown in. Why do you sign an aging defense man well past his prime for another 3 years when you know you need alot more parts to complete the puzzle? This contract os going to keep them from signing the people they need to seriously compete, and that, I believe, can be defined as a handicap. Nothing you said was wrong; after him they don't have alot, but he prevents them from getting too much more with that contract. I think you're missing the point of the article.
I have to disagree with some points. For example, If you think Bertuzzi is worth the 4million, hes making yet Penner isnt. Bertuzzi is an injury prone power forward good for about 40points this year at age 32. Penner is a 25 year old player on pace for about the same amount of poitns but the potential is worth the 4million. Definatly not worth the 3-4 1sts the Oilers have to pay the Ducks...But more valuable then Bertuzzi in my oppinion.
I have to agree about Bertuzzi. Whether or not you agree about Penner's worth has to do with how much you believe in his potential, but Bertuzzi is old, has a history or injury, and just doesnt provide the same bang for the buck that a potential young gun like Penner does.
I have to agree with the other poster about Chara. His inflated contract has not been merited by his play as a solid #2 d-man.
Richards is too good and underrated in my opinion. I think the contract is worth it, because I agree with your original point about how much better he makes those around him. Thats what separates him from a player like Chara.
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