Kovie Kap Krunch
by David Driscoll-Carignan on Jun 7, 2010 6:00 AM MDT
in Avalanche News & Notes
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PrintLast week, Avalanche GM threw a wet blanket to our Summer of Kovie celebration by telling Adrian Dater that the Avalanche would avoid signing any big ticket free agents (read: Ilya Kovalchuk) to ensure that the Avalanche have cap money down the road to retain the Avs' core nucleus (read: Matt Duchene, Chris Stewart, T.J. Galiardi, Ryan O'Reilly and more). Now that I've written the longest opening sentence in history, let's take a look in our crystal ball and see if we can roughly predict what the Avs' cap situation may look like a couple of years down the road.
First of all, here's how the Avalanche shape up as we stand today. Line combos are rough, some salaries are estimated:
- Galiardi - Stastny - Stewart
- Mueller - Duchene - Hejduk
- Stoa - O'Reilly - Jones
- McLeod - Hendricks -Yip
- Hannan - Quincey
- Foote - Cumiskey
- Liles - Wilson
- Anderson
- Budaj
For all that - a roster comparable to the one fielded in the playoffs against San Jose, the estimated cap hit would be about $42.5 million - with $15.5 million in cap room (based on an estimated new cap of $58 million). Not a bad roster. There's still some question marks on defense in my mind and the Avs still look light at left wing unless Galiardi (or Stoa) is able to take that next step. Still, that's the baseline - a first-round playoff team with plenty of potential in place to improve.
The best news is that the Avalanche will control the rights to most of these players for several more years. Under the current CBA, players become eligible for unrestricted free agency and the massive paydays that can bring when they reach the age of 27 or have 7 seasons under their belt. In the summer of 2014 - four seasons from now - Paul Stastny, Peter Mueller, Ryan Stoa, Kyle Cumiskey and Ryan Wilson will all be able to test the free agent waters. Before then, the only three notable young guns to become UFAs will be David Jones, Kyle Quincey and Brandon Yip. In other words, we could easily be looking at four more years with the core nucleus intact.
| 2010-11 | 2011-12 | 2012-13 | 2013-14 | 2014-15 | 2015-16 | ||
| Stastny | $6,600,000 | $6,600,000 | $6,600,000 | $6,600,000 | UFA | ||
| Stewart | RFA | RFA | RFA | RFA | RFA | UFA | |
| Hejduk | $3,000,000 | UFA | |||||
| Mueller | RFA | RFA | RFA | RFA | UFA | ||
| Duchene | $2,300,000 | $2,300,000 | RFA | RFA | RFA | RFA | |
| O'Reilly | $900,000 | $900,000 | RFA | RFA | RFA | RFA | |
| McLeod | $1,033,333 | $1,033,333 | UFA | ||||
| Yip | RFA | RFA | UFA | ||||
| Galiardi | $875,500 | RFA | RFA | RFA | RFA | UFA | |
| Stoa | $850,000 | RFA | RFA | RFA | UFA | ||
| Jones | $837,500 | $2,000,000 | UFA | ||||
| Hannan | $4,500,000 | UFA | |||||
| Liles | $4,200,000 | $4,200,000 | UFA | ||||
| Quincey | RFA | RFA | RFA | UFA | |||
| Shattenkirk | $1,300,000 | $1,300,000 | $1,300,000 | RFA | RFA | RFA | |
| Foote | $1,250,000 | UFA | |||||
| Cohen | $875,000 | $875,000 | $875,000 | RFA | RFA | RFA | |
| Holos | $612,500 | $612,500 | RFA | RFA | RFA | RFA | |
| Cumiskey | $600,000 | RFA | RFA | RFA | UFA | ||
| Wilson | $551,667 | RFA | RFA | RFA | UFA | ||
| Anderson | $1,812,500 | UFA | |||||
| Budaj | $1,250,000 | UFA |
Of course, controlling a player's rights doesn't necessarily mean one can afford all of the players. So I went through and estimated all the contracts for the RFAs listed above - much in the way that I did with Stewart, Mueller, Yip and Quncey a couple of weeks ago, except my estimates here are much looser. I didn't budget any money to retain any UFAs except for at goalie, where I budgeted a healthy $6 million for a starter and a backup. Oh, and I added in $8 million clams per year for Kovie.
| 2010-11 | 2011-12 | 2012-13 | 2013-14 | |
| Kovalchuk | $8,000,000 | $8,000,000 | $8,000,000 | $8,000,000 |
| Stastny | $6,600,000 | $6,600,000 | $6,600,000 | $6,600,000 |
| Stewart | $3,500,000 | $3,500,000 | $3,500,000 | $3,500,000 |
| Hejduk | $3,000,000 | |||
| Mueller | $2,750,000 | $2,750,000 | $2,750,000 | $2,750,000 |
| Duchene | $2,300,000 | $2,300,000 | $6,000,000 | $6,000,000 |
| O'Reilly | $900,000 | $900,000 | $2,500,000 | $2,500,000 |
| McLeod | $1,033,333 | $1,033,333 | ||
| Yip | $1,500,000 | $1,500,000 | ||
| Galiardi | $875,500 | $2,500,000 | $2,500,000 | $2,500,000 |
| Stoa | $850,000 | $1,500,000 | $1,500,000 | $1,500,000 |
| Jones | $837,500 | $2,000,000 | ||
| Koci | $575,000 | |||
| Hannan | $4,500,000 | |||
| Liles | $4,200,000 | $4,200,000 | ||
| Quincey | $3,250,000 | $3,250,000 | $3,250,000 | |
| Shattenkirk | $1,300,000 | $1,300,000 | $3,500,000 | |
| Foote | $1,250,000 | |||
| Cohen | $875,000 | $875,000 | $2,500,000 | |
| Holos | $612,500 | $1,750,000 | $1,750,000 | |
| Cumiskey | $600,000 | $2,000,000 | $2,000,000 | $2,000,000 |
| Wilson | $551,667 | $1,250,000 | $1,250,000 | $1,250,000 |
| Anderson | $1,812,500 | $4,500,000 | $4,500,000 | $4,500,000 |
| Budaj | $1,250,000 | $1,250,000 | $1,250,000 | $1,250,000 |
| Est Cap Hit | $50,135,500 | $51,820,833 | $49,525,000 | $50,100,000 |
| Est Cap Room | $7,864,500 | $6,179,167 | $8,475,000 | $7,900,000 |
A couple of notes. I only projected out for the next 4 years - up through the end of Stastny's contract. Even that is more fiction than fact, considering there are probably going to be just 9 players next year who were with the Avalanche for 4 years prior. And I assumed a non-changing NHL cap of $58 million.
Certainly, there's no way to accurately predict what will happen in four seasons, but I do think that what the above shows is that even with some healthy raises to our youngsters, an $8 million contract to Ilya Kovalchuk wouldn't be crippling. And it can be done without sacrificing much of the Avs' young nucleus (depending on what happens, there could still be room in there for guys like Jones, Yip or Quincey). And if certain players don't develop as projected? The money we're budgeted in for their raises could go to adding in other free agents to bolster the lineup.
Greg Sherman may say that the Avalanche want to build from within and save money to keep the young guns together for many, many sequels. If I was smart and a GM (I'm neither), I'd do the same. And maybe they won't pursue Kovalchuk. But we're talking about a player who has more career goals than Milan Hejduk...in 3 less seasons - and Hejduk is no slouch, as his Rocket Richard trophy reminds us. That's the type of player that GMs make room for. The Avalanche don't need to do that. They've got plenty of room - today and in the future.
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just a test to make sure you all were awake
Assistant *to* the Managing Editor, Mile High Hockey
by David Driscoll-Carignan on Jun 7, 2010 7:19 AM MDT up reply actions
why does everyone think Yip is a fourth liner? he was on pace for 30 goals before his injury last year…
those lines aren’t necessarily “the lines”. I just kind of threw everyone in where they’d fit.
Assistant *to* the Managing Editor, Mile High Hockey
by David Driscoll-Carignan on Jun 7, 2010 7:46 AM MDT up reply actions
Is this also assuming that Hendricks is re-signed? or did I miss one?
by c0nquistad0rian on Jun 7, 2010 1:50 PM MDT up reply actions
I didn’t include him as I don’t really consider him a “core” guy. He’s cool, but he could be replaced. Koci and McLeod are on there just because they are already signed.
Assistant *to* the Managing Editor, Mile High Hockey
by David Driscoll-Carignan on Jun 7, 2010 1:53 PM MDT up reply actions
Hendricks is on your line up. Koci is not.
by c0nquistad0rian on Jun 7, 2010 1:56 PM MDT up reply actions
oh, I get it. meh, same difference.
Assistant *to* the Managing Editor, Mile High Hockey
by David Driscoll-Carignan on Jun 7, 2010 2:02 PM MDT up reply actions
Probably
Because his shooting percentage is now listed in the dictionary next to the word “unsustainable.”
If we don't get our sauce, we ain't watching the game!
Kovalchuk is not what the Avs need.
What they DO need is Shea Weber. He’ll command a similar salary to Kovalchuk, and while he would cost a fair amount via trade, it’d be worth every penny. If the Avs could pick him up at the end of next year, they’d be immediate Cup contenders for the 2011-2012 season and beyond.
I don’t believe the talk that Weber would be available
Assistant *to* the Managing Editor, Mile High Hockey
by David Driscoll-Carignan on Jun 7, 2010 8:03 AM MDT up reply actions
and, regardless of the talent level of Weber, I find it hard to swallow that anyone could say the Avs don’t need Kovalchuk.
Assistant *to* the Managing Editor, Mile High Hockey
by David Driscoll-Carignan on Jun 7, 2010 8:17 AM MDT up reply actions
Will Kovie Buy into Sacco's Accountability
Well, I’m one of those who is quite skeptical whether Kovie would/could adapt to Sacco’s system of accountabiity. Kovie is not known for his defense and some consider him a “loose cannon”. I’m not sure I want that infecting the Avs’ youth movement which did quite well this season with Kovie. But somone will scream “he’s a 40 goal a year scorer”., who wouldn’t want that. Sure, I want that but am relucatant to take the negatives that come with a player like Kovie and how will it affect the locker room. If Kovie had a “team first” reputation then know problem but he doesn’t.
I have had a hard time finding information on this “loose cannon” rep. The only behavior issues I have seen come from when his team wasn’t performing up to its ability, and he usually takes it out on the other team.
The New Jersey board seems to really want him back, but is obviously concerned about the money. If he was just an expensive cancer, they wouldn’t want him back, but they seemed pretty happy with his work ethic and behavior. I could be wrong, of course, being it was a contract year, but any examples of past misdeeds would be informative.
"By the age of 18, the average American has witnessed 200,000 acts of violence on television, most of them occurring during Game 1 of the NHL playoff series." ~Steve Rushin
Lou Lamoriello spoke very highly of Kovie, yes?
Assistant *to* the Managing Editor, Mile High Hockey
by David Driscoll-Carignan on Jun 7, 2010 9:29 AM MDT up reply actions
Playing with Stewie and Stazzer
They might be able to pick up for Kovie’s “lack of defense”, not to mention that NJ thought he fit in their system and aren’t they “all defense all the time”?
by Avalanche318 on Jun 7, 2010 10:55 AM MDT up reply actions
Google is your friend :)
But I will say that I have confidence in the Avs staff. I’m sure any UFA being offered a contract will be interviewed thoroughly. If Sherman and Sacco manage to reel in Kovie then I have to assume they don’t see an issue with him fitting on the team.
Right, Google gets me a lot of this and lots of trade/sign/blog chatter.
But recent pages about him being a jerk, or selfish, or a bad teammate must be much further down the list, which is why I’m asking if anyone remembers certain instances or anything so I don’t spend my whole day at work looking for them.
"By the age of 18, the average American has witnessed 200,000 acts of violence on television, most of them occurring during Game 1 of the NHL playoff series." ~Steve Rushin
I don’t remember anything of the like with the talk from his former teammates, and team.
The New Improved Avalanche. Now with Real Coaches!
Jibblescribbits: C'mon over and waste some time
by Jibblescribbits on Jun 7, 2010 11:19 AM MDT up reply actions
Here are some quotes I got from an article on Puck Daddy that speak to what you’re saying Dix:
Lou Lamoriello:
“I’ve been pleased with him from day one. We knew there would be adjustments. The thing I’ve been most pleased with is he’s been a great teammate and quality individual. The interaction, he’s fit right in with the group. Those are always things that are unknowns until you have a player. The bottom line is winning. We don’t want anything to get in the way of that.” Source link here
Jacques Lemaire
“He works hard, he wants to win, and maybe that’s why I think maybe he’s a better player than I thought he was. He wants to win so much. He enjoys the game, which I didn’t see that as much as when he wasn’t around,” the veteran coach and Hall of Fame player said. “He’s a real player. He’s a guy that he wants to improve. He wants to do well. He wants the team to win. He’s not selfish; those things that you don’t know when the guy’s away. And then when they come in, sometimes you do get some surprises, could be negative or positive. This one was positive, big time.” Source link here
The Philadelphia Flyers: Let's do it for Lappy, man. We'll do it for Lappy!
by Cheryl Bradley on Jun 7, 2010 12:27 PM MDT up reply actions
I think a lot of people have this impression of Kovie for a few reasons:
First, he had some pretty public confrontations with Crosby when Crosby was a rookie, including his famous taunt when Crosby was in the penalty box. (Kovie was young).
Second, there were several published run-in issues with Hartley including some benching during games and more colorful practice incidents.
In none of those was there any issue with teammates.
Considering how much some people around here love Crosby, I would assume this goes into the plus column?
Having issues with Hartley though, that’s definitely a minus.
"By the age of 18, the average American has witnessed 200,000 acts of violence on television, most of them occurring during Game 1 of the NHL playoff series." ~Steve Rushin
Yeah.
Am I the only one who sees lots of parallels between Sacco and Hartley (the absence of a truly comical Quebecois accent notwithstanding)?
2009-2010 Colorado Avalanche - Much more gooderer than last year!
Hard to tell. Hartley put a lineup of all-stars on the ice almost every night. Sacco has a bunch of kids, a solid goalie, some bailing wire and duct tape.
"By the age of 18, the average American has witnessed 200,000 acts of violence on television, most of them occurring during Game 1 of the NHL playoff series." ~Steve Rushin
I meant in their relative coaching styles. Both stressed accountability. It didn’t work for Hartley with guys making 10 times more than him and with mantles full of NHL trophies. So far, it worked for Sacco given the fact that most of the team just doesn’t want “dad” to get mad and yell.
I can’t see Kovie responding well to Sacco demanding that he play defense along with the rest of the club.
2009-2010 Colorado Avalanche - Much more gooderer than last year!
Comical Quebecois accent? Uh-oh- I didn’t realize my French accent is comical!?
Sandie
"We called him Clark Kent because away from the rink, he was just a nerd. Then he'd go into the Colorado dressing room and put on his Avs jersey, and all of a sudden he was Super Joe"- Theo Fleury
by Sandie Gauthier on Jun 8, 2010 8:04 AM MDT up reply actions
Accents are comical
All accents are comical. Quebecois just more-so.
The New Improved Avalanche. Now with Real Coaches!
Jibblescribbits: C'mon over and waste some time
by Jibblescribbits on Jun 8, 2010 8:07 AM MDT up reply actions
hot too
Assistant *to* the Managing Editor, Mile High Hockey
by David Driscoll-Carignan on Jun 8, 2010 8:44 AM MDT up reply actions
this too
Well some accents aren’t, but Quebecois accents can be hot.
The New Improved Avalanche. Now with Real Coaches!
Jibblescribbits: C'mon over and waste some time
by Jibblescribbits on Jun 8, 2010 8:57 AM MDT up reply actions
My brother-in-law who works in the UK says the greatest accent in the history of man is the male, er, how do I put this so Mike won’t yell at me…. um, “fabulous” Scottish accent.
I’ve been desperately trying to find a sound clip of said accent ever since.
I’m probably missing some inside joke here, but…
For proof that Scottish accents can be hot, see the companion character on the current season’s Doctor Who.
by Inebriated Simian Miscreants on Jun 8, 2010 4:55 PM MDT up reply actions
Not really sure where to find it on the internet. Its on BBC America at 9pm on Saturdays (Eastern time). Fire up the TV.
by Inebriated Simian Miscreants on Jun 8, 2010 5:09 PM MDT up reply actions
Seconded
However I also recommend Fenchurch from BBC radio’s original recordings of Hitchhiker’s Guide.
by MalachiConstant on Jun 9, 2010 8:19 AM MDT up reply actions
We’ve never met or spoken, so I don’t know if yours is comical. Many Quebecois accents aren’t (IMO), but Hartley used to crack me up every time he opened his mouth. Not really sure why.
2009-2010 Colorado Avalanche - Much more gooderer than last year!
He was already a funny guy
I enjoyed listening to his show on the Fan with Mike and Sandy. Always a good interview, had a very dry sense of humor. But his accent added to the mix, definitely. When he talked about the checking line (at one time comprised of Podein-Yelle-Messier) “third” came out “turd.” We had one helluva “turd line” that year.
Quitter's People United Member #33
"I am a business major in college after all." - One MHR commenter's rationale for knowing more about the Denver Broncos than I do. LOL.
by Bob in Boulder on Jun 8, 2010 10:09 AM MDT up reply actions
Yeah, I’ve done that…
I’ve worked hard to get rid of the accent, but it’s there when I get the slightest bit inebriated.
Sandie
"We called him Clark Kent because away from the rink, he was just a nerd. Then he'd go into the Colorado dressing room and put on his Avs jersey, and all of a sudden he was Super Joe"- Theo Fleury
by Sandie Gauthier on Jun 8, 2010 11:38 AM MDT up reply actions
then it’s especially hot
The New Improved Avalanche. Now with Real Coaches!
Jibblescribbits: C'mon over and waste some time
by Jibblescribbits on Jun 8, 2010 11:42 AM MDT up reply actions
correct answer
Assistant *to* the Managing Editor, Mile High Hockey
by David Driscoll-Carignan on Jun 8, 2010 12:45 PM MDT up reply actions
talk today that Kovie has been offered $14 M per year to play for SKA
http://www.russianhockeyfans.com/nhl/ska-offers-kovalchuk-14m-per-year-202.html
google translation of the article they are linking is inconclusive at best. sounded more speculative than anything else IMO.
Assistant *to* the Managing Editor, Mile High Hockey
by David Driscoll-Carignan on Jun 7, 2010 8:10 AM MDT reply actions
Hejduk & Foote
Footer retiring next year. That makes me a very sad panda.
"Here's your dream: Matt Duchene, can he do it?... HE CAN! HE DID IT! MATT DUCHENE AND THE AVS ARE IN THE PLAYOFFS!" - Mike Haynes
I think Hejduk could be gone after this year
Assistant *to* the Managing Editor, Mile High Hockey
by David Driscoll-Carignan on Jun 7, 2010 9:44 AM MDT up reply actions
He’ll be 36? after this next year? I could see him playing 1-2 more.
by Avalanche318 on Jun 7, 2010 10:57 AM MDT up reply actions
He’s seen a lot of wear and tear on his body since the lockout. I’m kinda seeing him riding into the sunset this coming season. Hell, I wouldn’t be surprised if he hung ’em up this summer.
If we don't get our sauce, we ain't watching the game!
I feel the exact same way Mike
Assistant *to* the Managing Editor, Mile High Hockey
by David Driscoll-Carignan on Jun 7, 2010 1:24 PM MDT up reply actions
If Hejduk retired this summer, I would be more in favor of signing Kovie.
by Inebriated Simian Miscreants on Jun 7, 2010 2:19 PM MDT up reply actions
Me too, especially since we’d have exactly zero healthy LW’s.
If we don't get our sauce, we ain't watching the game!
Hejduk’s a RW, no?
Quitter's People United Member #33
"I am a business major in college after all." - One MHR commenter's rationale for knowing more about the Denver Broncos than I do. LOL.
by Bob in Boulder on Jun 7, 2010 3:08 PM MDT up reply actions
Right. Brain fart. I gotta go punch a stack of meat and bread.
If we don't get our sauce, we ain't watching the game!
But it would definitely create an even more glaring need for a goal scoring winger. The O looked pretty sad when Mueller and Hejduk were both out during some games in the playoffs.
Quitter's People United Member #33
"I am a business major in college after all." - One MHR commenter's rationale for knowing more about the Denver Broncos than I do. LOL.
by Bob in Boulder on Jun 7, 2010 3:17 PM MDT up reply actions
Would Kovie be opposed to?
A kreative long-term kap friendly kontract such as Hossa’s current deal with the ‘hawks? Load it up in front, but make the average hit around $6M per? Also, again, I think you have Stewie, Mueller and Quincey slotted a little bit high for now. They need another good solid few years before they’ve earned those raises. Especially given Quincey’s disastrous slide last season.
Quitter's People United Member #33
"I am a business major in college after all." - One MHR commenter's rationale for knowing more about the Denver Broncos than I do. LOL.
And with all of that money saved
Land that number 1 defenseman!
Quitter's People United Member #33
"I am a business major in college after all." - One MHR commenter's rationale for knowing more about the Denver Broncos than I do. LOL.
by Bob in Boulder on Jun 7, 2010 9:46 AM MDT up reply actions
Oh, and PS
I love that you’ve done this. Gracias DDC!
Quitter's People United Member #33
"I am a business major in college after all." - One MHR commenter's rationale for knowing more about the Denver Broncos than I do. LOL.
by Bob in Boulder on Jun 7, 2010 9:47 AM MDT up reply actions
Kovy and Weber bring one thing the Avs desperately need. A POINT SHOT ON THE POWERPLAY. And not just a decent shot, but they rip it anytime and anywhere
No offense to JM Liles, but he just doesn’t have that. He has a decent shot, but it’s not used enough, and he is still to indecisive about letting it rip.
Colorado Avalanche: Back to the playoffs!
kovie AND weber..that’s some mad pie in the sky you’re munchin on there in chi-town my friend, if it were to happen, that would be nuts!
(thus ends understatement of the year)
Guess I need a new Signature..uh..Go Hawks?
You get one blowout victory in against Philly and all of a sudden they break out the crack. :)
"By the age of 18, the average American has witnessed 200,000 acts of violence on television, most of them occurring during Game 1 of the NHL playoff series." ~Steve Rushin
As opposed to Detroit
where it is actually in the drinking water.
Quitter's People United Member #33
"I am a business major in college after all." - One MHR commenter's rationale for knowing more about the Denver Broncos than I do. LOL.
by Bob in Boulder on Jun 7, 2010 10:31 AM MDT up reply actions
well how else do you explain Lindstrom’s desire to play there anothe year?
Guess I need a new Signature..uh..Go Hawks?
He must have an investment in that fine Detroit company, Crack Whores R Us.
Quitter's People United Member #33
"I am a business major in college after all." - One MHR commenter's rationale for knowing more about the Denver Broncos than I do. LOL.
by Bob in Boulder on Jun 7, 2010 10:38 AM MDT up reply actions
All-in for the Cup?
I think everyone is focused on the current UFAs as the way to get to the Cup ASAP. I think there is little disagreement that the Avs could use an elite LW and a top-2 defender. OK, let’s go for Kovi. You’re not going to get much more elite than that. We’re all struggling with that defender. That’s because he doesn’t exist in the current UFA pool. He does next year. Andrei Markov will be a UFA in 2011. Can anyone say “trade deadline?” It will cost some young talent, but if Kovi has the goods, we might be able to let go of a young-gun and one of the young defenders in trade to Montreal.
I’m also concerned with the competition. There’s lots of rumors out of LA that they may make a play for Kovi or Marleau. I would place LA as a top long-term competitor for the next several years. Kovi + Kopi + Frolov would make as formidable a line as Kovi + SoS + Stewart. I’d hate to face that for 6 games per year plus playoffs.
It's all fun and games until someone blows up Detroit...then it's a PARTY!!!
Gotta do it
Also, it takes money to make money. Gotta do whatever they can to fill the Can back up. Lowering ticket prices and marketing the team might help too.
Quitter's People United Member #33
"I am a business major in college after all." - One MHR commenter's rationale for knowing more about the Denver Broncos than I do. LOL.
by Bob in Boulder on Jun 7, 2010 11:43 AM MDT up reply actions
Frolov is as good as gone in LA. The GM has openly said he’s not the direction they want to take the team.
The Philadelphia Flyers: Let's do it for Lappy, man. We'll do it for Lappy!
by Cheryl Bradley on Jun 7, 2010 12:15 PM MDT up reply actions
I’ve talked to people here at MHH and some friends of mine that are Kings fans and are hearing the same thing: so much like Wolski that we would have been better off keeping him than going for Fro. Honestly, watching the games, Frolov isn’t all that. He has his moments of flash, but too often I see him watching the play, waiting for it to unfold, instead of making it happen. I also don’t see him as a dynamic locker room presence. I don’t want him.
The Philadelphia Flyers: Let's do it for Lappy, man. We'll do it for Lappy!
by Cheryl Bradley on Jun 7, 2010 12:33 PM MDT up reply actions
The Kings have to be worried about the same thing we are, though, as far as long-term salary. Doughty, unless LA is run by retards, will be one of, if not the highest-paid defenseman by his next deal, and LA won’t let him get to RFA status because NY or Toronto or Washington and many other teams will put a claim on him in a heartbeat.
With Kovy, Smyth, Doughty and Kopitar, they could run into problems with depth. Still, LA would have its star to draw in the celebrities.
"By the age of 18, the average American has witnessed 200,000 acts of violence on television, most of them occurring during Game 1 of the NHL playoff series." ~Steve Rushin
NONONONONONO
NO FROLOV PLEAAAAASE
We just got rid of Wolski and his floating/inconsistency. Don’t need another guy cut from that mold.
No Frolov, he was just an example
I’m with you on the “no Frolov.” You can slot Simmonds in there and it’s about the same. Kovi + Kopi + Simmonds is still pretty scary. Assuming that Kovi + Markov makes the Avs cup competitive in 2011, he might be a rental, or if he plays really well, maybe they try to re-sign. Drop Foote and Hejduk after next year and maybe he still fits.
It’s summer. I’m just playing the “what if” game.
It's all fun and games until someone blows up Detroit...then it's a PARTY!!!
Drop Foote and Hejduk after next year and maybe he still fits
This sentence makes me sad.
"By the age of 18, the average American has witnessed 200,000 acts of violence on television, most of them occurring during Game 1 of the NHL playoff series." ~Steve Rushin
You know, a title of 3 Ks might be a bit of an oversight.
The New Improved Avalanche. Now with Real Coaches!
Jibblescribbits: C'mon over and waste some time
aliteration is more important than racism
Assistant *to* the Managing Editor, Mile High Hockey
by David Driscoll-Carignan on Jun 7, 2010 1:28 PM MDT up reply actions
spelling aliteration properly is less important
Assistant *to* the Managing Editor, Mile High Hockey
by David Driscoll-Carignan on Jun 7, 2010 1:28 PM MDT up reply actions
I thought it was the name of a new NHL themed breakfast cereal….
2009-2010 Colorado Avalanche - Much more gooderer than last year!
You've named the line
Kaptain, Krunch, and Kovi – SoS, Stewie, Kovalchuk – 3K line. It would obviously only work if Stats gets the C.
It's all fun and games until someone blows up Detroit...then it's a PARTY!!!
Worked fine for Krusty, right?
Colorado Avalanche: PROMOTING itchy playoff beards since '10
by FiveJeffFingerDiscount on Jun 8, 2010 9:46 AM MDT up reply actions
Hejduk and Kovalchuk
I think Hejduk will be on this team for another 3 or 4 years. Kovalchuk would be a great addition to this team and we need to sign him. The Avs need a top scorer and that is what they get with Kovalchuk.
great article DDC
I’d love to have a #1 D too, but that also looks possible.
Now we just need Kroenke to open the purse, eh?
Are you questioning our owner's masculinity?
or just calling him a dirty Euro?
2009-2010 Colorado Avalanche - Much more gooderer than last year!
by Hopfenkopf on Jun 7, 2010 2:17 PM MDT up reply actions 1 recs
Its a European shoulder bag.
by Inebriated Simian Miscreants on Jun 7, 2010 2:22 PM MDT up reply actions
The implausibly hot chick bartender on the Miller Lite commercial says it’s a purse.
2009-2010 Colorado Avalanche - Much more gooderer than last year!
Not as a bartender. Hot bartenders make terrible money and don’t sell as much booze as males.
If we don't get our sauce, we ain't watching the game!
I never bar-tended, but hot girls made more in tips, on average, waiting tables than men. I can’t imagine that would be any different for bartenders
The New Improved Avalanche. Now with Real Coaches!
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by Jibblescribbits on Jun 9, 2010 7:47 AM MDT up reply actions
It’s the captive audience factor. A hot bartender is stuck behind the bar while all the psuedo-drunks hit on her. She can’t leave, she still has to serve them and be hospitable. And since guys will hold down a barstool much longer than a table, there isn’t the turnover like a waitress has for tips. Plus a guy that is there to hit on the bartender will nurse drinks where as a girl who is there to flirt with a good looking male bartender will continue to get drinks after drinks and is usually with friends who will do the same.
Both of my brothers tended bar in college and did much better in volume of drinks and tips than their female counterparts. One of ‘em even managed the restaurant after a while and said he’d never hire a hot girl for the bar because of this. Now this could be a phenomenon restricted to college towns, but I doubt it.
If we don't get our sauce, we ain't watching the game!
Makes sense
The New Improved Avalanche. Now with Real Coaches!
Jibblescribbits: C'mon over and waste some time
by Jibblescribbits on Jun 9, 2010 8:23 AM MDT up reply actions
Well, i can only speak for my area, but hot girls do really well as bartenders here. Of course, no one here is familiar with the concept of “nursing” drinks, so guys do pretty well too. I know I do well as a guy bartender, but its more a function of being a good bartender in a good bar than my looks or whatever. Honestly, around here, personality and skill has much more to do with it than looks, but all of the hot girl bartenders I know do REALLY well.
MHH- A drinking site with a hockey problem
Detroit Sucks
Reliability-based Optimization of Fiber Reinforced Polymer Composite Bridge Deck Panels for the win.
If we don't get our sauce, we ain't watching the game!
You are the coolest guy I’ve ever met.
2009-2010 Colorado Avalanche - Much more gooderer than last year!
I was about to post mine for nerd cred…then I realized how easy it would be to find me…and I don’t want Beachie coming after me when I post about Liles trades! :)
mcarson01 made an interesting point in one of the gazillion other threads about signing Kovi…if we do, it takes a lot of the focus away from Stastny and Duchene as the faces of the franchise. Is that really what we want?
The Philadelphia Flyers: Let's do it for Lappy, man. We'll do it for Lappy!
honestly, I bet Stastny in particular would privately welcome that.
Assistant *to* the Managing Editor, Mile High Hockey
by David Driscoll-Carignan on Jun 7, 2010 1:27 PM MDT up reply actions
I agree. Kovie or no Kovie, I think that Duchene will eventually be the new face of the franchise. But having Kovie around isn’t going to hurt that. You would think that having an option to play for many years with a one-two center punch of Stats and Duchene would be added incentive for Kovie in wanting to come here.
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by Bob in Boulder on Jun 7, 2010 1:33 PM MDT up reply actions
plus, it’s not like there’s a big marketing machine already in place
Assistant *to* the Managing Editor, Mile High Hockey
by David Driscoll-Carignan on Jun 7, 2010 1:35 PM MDT up reply actions
I think the best news about this discussion is that with certain notable exceptions, no one is looking at Kovi as the savior of the franchise. He’s being looked at to fill a hole in a pretty decent young roster. If I were in his (very expensive) shoes, I would take that as a positive. The entire load will not be placed on his shoulders.
It's all fun and games until someone blows up Detroit...then it's a PARTY!!!
Exactly. If he were to come here, I don’t think anybody thinks he should be or even would any of us want him to be the captain, the savior or the only hope for this franchise. All we would want is for him to focus on scoring goals while not taking dumb penalties, get along well with his teammates, kiss some babies in the community and enjoy living with his family in our beautiful state. Perhaps, if he plays nice, he gets to hold the Cup second when SoS or Duchene hands it off.
Anybody else think that if we do sign Kovie, a Winter Classic date might be in our future?
"By the age of 18, the average American has witnessed 200,000 acts of violence on television, most of them occurring during Game 1 of the NHL playoff series." ~Steve Rushin
I just hope
That Kovy is interested in NOT JUST the money, but for a winning opportunity. Obviously all of the teams with cap space can sign him but if we’re not willing to go that extra $1M, I’m hoping that we’d still be in the running.
If it’s just about the cash, I figure he’ll either go back to ATL or bolt for the ridiculously large KHL offer ($14M/year) that St. Petersburg allegedly offered.
2009-2010 Colorado Avalanche - Much more gooderer than last year!
He’s already said he’s not doing either of those. I think he’s made it obvious it’s about winning and being with the right team for a long future of it. Just my opinion of course. I have no proof…
The Philadelphia Flyers: Let's do it for Lappy, man. We'll do it for Lappy!
by Cheryl Bradley on Jun 7, 2010 7:05 PM MDT up reply actions
Kovie knows what it’s like to be the big bread winner on a losing team. Our (and many other teams) best hope is that he is willing to forgo that extra $1M for long-term security on at team committed to winning.
If Kovie will lower his demands to just $7.5M cap hit a year, he will have his choice of many fine teams to play for. But I guess we’ll see just how interested in winning he is.
"By the age of 18, the average American has witnessed 200,000 acts of violence on television, most of them occurring during Game 1 of the NHL playoff series." ~Steve Rushin
he would have gotten a max contract from ATL. It’s obviously about winning
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by Jibblescribbits on Jun 7, 2010 8:22 PM MDT up reply actions
Did adding Forsberg and Roy take the focus away from Sakic?
"Here's your dream: Matt Duchene, can he do it?... HE CAN! HE DID IT! MATT DUCHENE AND THE AVS ARE IN THE PLAYOFFS!" - Mike Haynes
Can god make a rock so big that even Jimmy Howard can’t lift it?
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by Bob in Boulder on Jun 7, 2010 1:38 PM MDT up reply actions
I considered that when I first read his comment but it’s not really the same. Forsberg came in on a similar level to Sakic in Quebec. Then when Roy came in, the team was already set and gelled; plus he was a completely different beast. And Sakic wasn’t 19.
I agree that SoS would welcome it and I’m not sure it would hurt Duchene at all. It was just a consideration worth contemplating. If Kovie comes in knowing he’s another cog in the wheel, it’s all good. If he comes in thinking he’s Jimmy Howard, there’s a problem.
The Philadelphia Flyers: Let's do it for Lappy, man. We'll do it for Lappy!
by Cheryl Bradley on Jun 7, 2010 4:44 PM MDT up reply actions
Yes. Forsberg is, was, and always will be the man. By far the most entertaining player to watch bar Ovie. And Ovie has a ways to go to get there. that being said, I sure did love having two total studs/ sure fire HOF locks on the team at the same time. (those other few HoF’ers didn’t hurt either). I loved me some Sakic, but I loved me some Forsberg even more.
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Detroit Sucks
Numbers alone don't define his career
To anyone that saw the guy play, he may have been the most amazing hockey player ever. I remember watching a few Av games in Vancouver with a friend of mine who was a Canuck fan. He noticed that everytime Forsberg was on the ice there was a buzz in the arena. He asked me why he was so special. I said, just watch him play. On many shifts he does something on the ice that nobody else in the league can do.
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by Bob in Boulder on Jun 8, 2010 10:04 AM MDT up reply actions
OT
But I still don’t understand how this could possibly be a bad thing.
Quitter's People United Member #33
"I am a business major in college after all." - One MHR commenter's rationale for knowing more about the Denver Broncos than I do. LOL.
If you listen to it with the sound on, you’re guaranteed to lose about 30 IQ points….
2009-2010 Colorado Avalanche - Much more gooderer than last year!
“The most important thing that I think we bring to Phillips Arena is that we put a face on Thrashers spirit.” – Shea (two-year veteran)
Honey, nobody is looking at your face.
If we don't get our sauce, we ain't watching the game!
Atlanta sucks so hard in pretty much everything in the sports world (and don’t go telling me that their WNBA team is good or some shit like that, I’m talking about real sports), BUT…they sure are not lacking in the smoking hot chicks department.
I get that Durno and Liles and many, many other hockey players (and pro athletes) are great looking guys. What sort of sucks is that there’s not the equivalent eye candy for guys with female pro athletes. We make Danica Patrick seem like some sort of goddess, when, in fact, if she was your waitress at Hooters, you’d be sort of irritated because she’s plain and her body’s not so great (unless she flirted with you a little bit, even though she might be a Red Wings fan, RIGHT BOB?). Even the Russian tennis players and Erin Andrews and most of the other sports-world chicks we drool about aren’t that hot. They’re only hot compared to their competition.
Anyway, look, I don’t mind the drooling over the players. I’m man enough to admit that Brooks Laich is a great looking guy. I think I’m perceptive enough to understand why the women folk like Durno (it’s his eyes, right ladies?).
I’ve learned to accept the fact that, in athletics, the eye candy is tilted heavily in favor of women. Can’t we just finally get some ice girls to improve the scenery at the game for the guys?
"We left (the combine) saying, 'Boy, that's pretty unique, what he has and his passion for this game and for winning.' He's been a winner, and you could see why." Josh McDaniels on Tim Tebow.
by Dan Winkler on Jun 7, 2010 6:34 PM MDT up reply actions
lol
/rolls eyes
The Philadelphia Flyers: Let's do it for Lappy, man. We'll do it for Lappy!
by Cheryl Bradley on Jun 7, 2010 7:08 PM MDT up reply actions
Right except one exception
I thought Erin Andrews was decent until she was on Dancing with the stars. She was smoking hot on there.
The New Improved Avalanche. Now with Real Coaches!
Jibblescribbits: C'mon over and waste some time
by Jibblescribbits on Jun 7, 2010 8:23 PM MDT up reply actions
Agree with that. A good looking girl who can dance becomes instantly more attractive. The opposite is true – a good looking girl who can’t dance becomes less attractive.
Erin also has hockey chops, so that’s a plus in my book, and she just seemed really cool on that show.
"We left (the combine) saying, 'Boy, that's pretty unique, what he has and his passion for this game and for winning.' He's been a winner, and you could see why." Josh McDaniels on Tim Tebow.
by Dan Winkler on Jun 8, 2010 10:24 AM MDT up reply actions
Denise Dupont and Madeleine Dupont.
That is all.
Yeah, well, you know, that's just, like, your opinion, man.
by Aph on Jun 8, 2010 7:34 AM MDT up reply actions
Am I seriously the only guy that thinks the only thing wrong with this (besides that they let retarded people in to audition) is the fact that they wear figure skates and not hockey skates?
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Detroit Sucks
No you’re not. I thought the same thing. Then I though “boobies.”
If we don't get our sauce, we ain't watching the game!
They wore figure skates?
It's all fun and games until someone blows up Detroit...then it's a PARTY!!!
by Busted Twigg on Jun 8, 2010 8:34 AM MDT up reply actions 1 recs
Virtually all of them. I noticed too, but then as Mike mentioned, other assets gained my attention.
2009-2010 Colorado Avalanche - Much more gooderer than last year!
I’m afraid I didn’t hit the mute button quickly enough and lost brain cells. I do recall that there were enough other worthwhile things to notice that “figure skates” never even entered my brain.
It's all fun and games until someone blows up Detroit...then it's a PARTY!!!
by Busted Twigg on Jun 8, 2010 10:19 AM MDT up reply actions
Why don’t you guys just live with the fact that the Avs really don’t need or want Kovalchuk and I’m sure every fan in hoping their team lands him, but their is probably not team in the NHL that will be willing to take him (other than the Rangers maybe). He is selfish and only had success on Atlanta because he was the whole team. The Avs scoring was balenced. It wasn’t just on player scoring all the goals. Also the Avs were 6th in scoring in the league and odviously next year that should be even better so what we really should be hoping for is moves that improve the defence. This aint going to happen so please stop posting a new article about him every day.
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"I am a business major in college after all." - One MHR commenter's rationale for knowing more about the Denver Broncos than I do. LOL.
by Bob in Boulder on Jun 7, 2010 2:58 PM MDT up reply actions
Just relax and have fun with it. We won’t have any real hockey to discuss until October, and this helps pass the time.
by Inebriated Simian Miscreants on Jun 7, 2010 3:09 PM MDT up reply actions
While I understand your frustration with the repetition of the comment being driven down everyone’s collective windpipe by Bibby and his band of merry men, I don’t see where an analysis of the cap space available for this summer and the next three is necessarily a Kovy-centric article. Other’s were promoted to the front page due to slow Avs-related news days and general silliness. If you peruse the articles’ comments, you’ll see that the community here at MHH is fairly divided on Kovy’s fit with the team and nobody has played down the need for defense.
The fact remains that as of today there aren’t any openings on D that a big FA defenseman to fill and there aren’t any true giant FA’s available this summer while there is a glaring need at LW and a pretty good LW is shopping for a new home.
If we don't get our sauce, we ain't watching the game!
You are coming around to the Kovie side, Mike! Yes!
Quitter's People United Member #33
"I am a business major in college after all." - One MHR commenter's rationale for knowing more about the Denver Broncos than I do. LOL.
by Bob in Boulder on Jun 7, 2010 3:21 PM MDT up reply actions
I have no beef against Kovie other than perhaps a misconception about his on-ice play (selfish offensively, average at best-defensively) and that his contract has a higher likelihood of becoming a burden. He fills a need, I just think Patrick Sharp fills that need as well without mortgaging the future to some degree.
I still hate you though.
If we don't get our sauce, we ain't watching the game!
I know that isn’t true. Deep down you really Kovie me.
Quitter's People United Member #33
"I am a business major in college after all." - One MHR commenter's rationale for knowing more about the Denver Broncos than I do. LOL.
by Bob in Boulder on Jun 8, 2010 9:58 AM MDT up reply actions
Other’s were promoted to the front page due to slow Avs-related news days and general silliness.
Case in point: my argument on why Tucker should be an Avalanche for life
The Philadelphia Flyers: Let's do it for Lappy, man. We'll do it for Lappy!
by Cheryl Bradley on Jun 7, 2010 4:48 PM MDT up reply actions
Why don’t you guys just live with the fact that the Avs really don’t need or want Kovalchuk
So, the Avs don’t need a bona-fide top line LWer who has put up an average of 88 points per season for the last 6 seasons (and never played less than 76 games a season)?
I’m pretty sure every team needs, and wants, Kovalchuk on their team next season. The issue is how much he’s signing for, not his talent and his “selfishness”.
And can someone please document this selfishness he supposedly demonstrates? I have never seen any article ever that shows any kind of selfishness, other than not wanting to be stuck on a franchise that has no plan for winning and seems to be stuck in neutral. But he’s screwed either way there. If he shows loyalty to Atlanta he’s got “big fish in small pond” selfishness, and if he leaves he’s selfish for not sticking around.
If he were Canadian and acted the exact same would that label be thrown around at all?
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by Jibblescribbits on Jun 7, 2010 3:17 PM MDT up reply actions
Well, if he were Dany Heatley….
I spent more effort eating a pudding than Tyler Arnason skated last year.
I’d still take that douchebag
Assistant *to* the Managing Editor, Mile High Hockey
by David Driscoll-Carignan on Jun 7, 2010 3:33 PM MDT up reply actions
Except
he acted no where near as selfishly as Danny Heatley, and is getting the same (and in some corners, worse) treatment.
The New Improved Avalanche. Now with Real Coaches!
Jibblescribbits: C'mon over and waste some time
by Jibblescribbits on Jun 7, 2010 3:33 PM MDT up reply actions
Kovie hasn’t killed anyone (that we are aware of) and didn’t demand a trade until his contract was about to expire.
by Inebriated Simian Miscreants on Jun 7, 2010 3:34 PM MDT up reply actions
He didn’t even demand a trade. He told Atl he probably wasn’t going to re-sign with them, basically because they didn’t show any commitment to winning.
The New Improved Avalanche. Now with Real Coaches!
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by Jibblescribbits on Jun 7, 2010 3:47 PM MDT up reply actions
The Avs are in position to land the biggest free agent in the post-lockout era, but you’re right. Let’s spend the next four months talking about the intricate details and consequences of the Koci signing.
"By the age of 18, the average American has witnessed 200,000 acts of violence on television, most of them occurring during Game 1 of the NHL playoff series." ~Steve Rushin
I hate you,
The existence of flamethrowers is proof that someone, somewhere, said to himself, "I want to set those people over there on fire, but I don't feel like walking over there to do it."
Screw the Wings.
well to be fair, on a $/minute ice time basis, the Koci signing will undoubtably prove to be the biggest in NHL history
by some white guy on Jun 8, 2010 11:46 AM MDT up reply actions
WRONG.
Tom Preissing has him beat hands down.
2009-2010 Colorado Avalanche - Much more gooderer than last year!
Rick DiPietro will eventually win this award.
"Here's your dream: Matt Duchene, can he do it?... HE CAN! HE DID IT! MATT DUCHENE AND THE AVS ARE IN THE PLAYOFFS!" - Mike Haynes
and Dixomatic thought we wouldn’t be able to talk about the intricate details and consequences of the Koci signing……..
by some white guy on Jun 8, 2010 4:14 PM MDT up reply actions
Kovy's cap number
Next season 4-10 in the top 10 have a cap hit of $7.5M – $8.25M.
I think anywhere in there is an extremely fair place to put him
The New Improved Avalanche. Now with Real Coaches!
Jibblescribbits: C'mon over and waste some time
July 1, 2015, may be the most exciting free agency day the NHL has seen in a long time. That’s a hell of a list of free agents that year.
"By the age of 18, the average American has witnessed 200,000 acts of violence on television, most of them occurring during Game 1 of the NHL playoff series." ~Steve Rushin
a lot of them will sign extensions by then.
The New Improved Avalanche. Now with Real Coaches!
Jibblescribbits: C'mon over and waste some time
by Jibblescribbits on Jun 7, 2010 4:54 PM MDT up reply actions
yeah, (and I’ll throw this here just because) if the Avs sign Kovie to a 6-7 year deal averaging <7mil a year, me and BiB and a lot of others are going to need a change of laundry. The cap hit has to work but the avs are in the unique position of having a) commitment to winning, b) young core that could possibly win, c) the cap space in the short term to offer 10mil or so for a few years before dropping it down to a number (5-6mil) that allows us to retain that same core while managing the cap d) still giving us room to make another move or two.
I was not a big Kovie guy for the last few months but the more I look at this the more I think the Avs could make this a hugely beneficial deal for all concerned.
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Detroit Sucks
The Avs need Kovalchuck.
That dude can chuck a lot of Kovals. Put Hejduk on the right because… he.. can… duck a lot of Hey.
I’m just not banking on Yip/Stewart/Jones or any of our LWers to score 40 goals. Yeah, call me crazy.
Kovalchuck – Stastny – Hejduk
Best line in a long time.
You've been down too long in the midnight sea...
by Pinchy The Lobster on Jun 7, 2010 5:28 PM MDT reply actions
Ok, don't kill me Bibby
Let’s assume we don’t get Kovy. What about Ray Whitney for 2 years? Already shown chemistry with Duchene, good player still, no long term hit to the cap, not a huge cap hit, great experience for the kids, etc.
If we’re talking about top 6 wingers we might actually pursue, I think he’s pretty damn likely. Sadly he’s not a sniper, but the more I think about it, the more I like it:
Whitney – Stastny – Stewie
Mueller – Duchene – Hejduk
Galiardi – O’Reilly – Jones
McLeod – Hendricks – Yip
Koci
hell yeah, that’s some depth!
hmmmmmm
Even though he just turned 38, he does still seem to have something in the tank, and he did play in 80 games last season. But two years for a 38 year-old? How low do you think he’d go, salary wise? He made $3.55M last season …. think he’d be willing to knock it down to around $2.25M per in order to get a 2-year deal as opposed to one?
I’m not all that opposed to Whitney, actually. Maybe as added depth and insurance in addition to Kovie? Yep, I’m still thinking Kovie. I am the 24-7 Kovie channel. All Kovie, all of the time.
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by Bob in Boulder on Jun 7, 2010 6:11 PM MDT up reply actions
haha, everything I see on Whitney puts him at 2 – 3m on a 2 year deal. What he reeeally wants is the 2 year deal, just like Lappy wanted the 3 year deal. If we were willing to do the 2 year deal, I bet 2.5m is a fair bet. If it’s a 1 year deal it could be closer to 3.5m.
Pittsburgh is gonna be beating down his door though. He’d be great for them. fortunately, I don’t think it’s exactly a bidding war with their cap situation, just a hard sell in terms of winning a cup potential.
Whitney is a fine player, definitely on the downside on his career, who managed to put up a respectible 21-37-58 skating on Staal’s wing on a surprisingly bad CAR team last year. Thing is, he’s old (38) and smaller (5’10" 180).
I guess I’m a bit puzzled on the logic here.
Is everyone here so completely convinced that the several very strong young players that we have on the team now aren’t the answer that we’re willing to pass them over to sign a fine, but by no means stellar graybeard to his farewell tour?
Gali put up pretty strong numbers 15-24-39 in 70 games, quite a few of which were played on the 3rd & 4th lines. Is he the born sniper that Hejduk is? No, but neither is Whitney – by any stretch.
Jones was on a .7 PPG pace before Chuck f(*&ing Kobasew. Kid has wheels, hands, size, a sick shot… and played appreciable amounts of LW in College, AHL and last year in the NHL and shoots right. Should he get an extended look on the top line? My money says hell yes!
I don’t mind drooling over Kovy, Marleau, even Sharp, Plekanec, Versteeg or other young – prime legit top liners. I just think going to the Whitney well (or Kariya, Kozlov or any of the other last year sort of guys) is a little bit crazy. I just don’t get it, but then again, I don’t have to….
2009-2010 Colorado Avalanche - Much more gooderer than last year!
it’s not about taking time from the young guns — i definitely still want them getting lots of ice time. I just feel like some extra depth at left wing is a good idea. Really, I just don’t want a rash of injuries to screw us like last year. Whitney is a good skilled veteran presence as well, something we’re not exactly rolling in.
Whitney is a good skilled veteran presence as well, something we’re not exactly rolling in.
Um, didn’t you hear we’ve signed tucker? hah, j/k.
MHH- A drinking site with a hockey problem
Detroit Sucks
But by inserting him, you’ve reduced ice time for somebody that probably would benefit from it development-wise. For similar production, I’d rather have a Gali or Jones taking his lumps on what is likely a team that takes a step backward next year.
If we don't get our sauce, we ain't watching the game!
I feel like they’ll still get solid ice time on a 3rd that gets more ice time than usual. And as injuries take their toll, they’ll get more top 6 time as well.
To me, the whole point is to try and avoid a step backward, give the team a chance to fight through adversity better than last year.
+1
We almost know that Hejduk isn’t going to make it through the whole season. And Jones. And Yip was injury prone last year as well. When guys are down we’re going to need goals from elsewhere. Kovie and Whitney will help immensely.
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"I am a business major in college after all." - One MHR commenter's rationale for knowing more about the Denver Broncos than I do. LOL.
by Bob in Boulder on Jun 8, 2010 10:13 AM MDT up reply actions
I say we wine and dine the Blackhawks.
They cannot keep Sharp, Buff and Versteeg with the CapAgeddon headead their way for 2011.
I say Sharp. Buff is a great playoff forward but Stewart is our version of him (with a better shot).
And Stewie actually showed up for the regular season.
If we don't get our sauce, we ain't watching the game!
1000 times this
I remember last post season, he seemed like a phenom, but then this season it was… who the hell is Bi Foog Lien?
Yeah, well, you know, that's just, like, your opinion, man.
by Aph on Jun 8, 2010 8:20 AM MDT up reply actions
and Stewie can skate faster than me
(and I can’t skate)
2009-2010 Colorado Avalanche - Much more gooderer than last year!
I’m not a huge fan of Versteeg. good player, but a lil overpaid and not better than anyone we have. Or better than Whitney, for that matter. Plus I’m leery of small wingers in general.
Buf and Sharp I like, but as you say, Buf was absent much of the year. I must say I like his mean streak better than Stewie’s. Too many times Stewie doesn’t take the opportunity to play physical.
Anyways, Sharp would be the the guy. The cost would be pretty high though, if they even move him. If it’s not my crazy Huet+ deal, it’s going to be like 1st + top end prospect. Our 1st + Shattenkirk is where I’d stand firm if I was Chicago, and if I’m Colorado, I’m not into that.
OK, still confused
I’m not a huge fan of Versteeg. good player, but a lil overpaid and not better than anyone we have. Or better than Whitney, for that matter. Plus I’m leery of small wingers in general.
There’s no question that Whitney out-produced Versteeg (58 vs. 44 pts – though that is likely the product, to some degree, of 1st line time [Whitney] vs. 2nd/3rd line time [Versteeg])and I agree that Versteeg is no better than anybody on our roster (worse than some) but here’s where my head starts to hurt.
Whitney is 38, 5’10" 180. Versteeg is 32, 5’10" 182. So they’re both small(ish) wingers. Do you not dig Versteeg based on talent alone while you do dig Whitney? I could see cogent argument for that, but if your argument is size, I’m lost.
2009-2010 Colorado Avalanche - Much more gooderer than last year!
yeah, I suppose that is a little incongruous, sorry. It’s a leeriness, not a blanket hate of all small wingers. :) I’m willing to tolerate Whitney’s lack of size since he doesn’t cost anything in picks/prospects, isn’t a big risk in cap hit, and already has shown good chemistry with Duchene.
What do you think Versteeg will cost? I’m guessing some team is gonna pony up a low first for him, but I can’t figure who…
I’m not interested in Versteeg, but could easily see ATL trading CHI their #24 pick from NJD for Versteeg or ANH trading their #29/#30 from PHI to CHI for him (though less so).
Other than that, I’m not sure there is all that much need by teams in the first round that might not be just as well filled by actually drafting rather than trading. Versteeg could always go for a package of lower round picks too (2nd, 3rd, 4th or something).
2009-2010 Colorado Avalanche - Much more gooderer than last year!
The lower round package was what I was thinking. Chicago is set on high-level talent for years, so I would assume they are in the market more for role players and depth.
"By the age of 18, the average American has witnessed 200,000 acts of violence on television, most of them occurring during Game 1 of the NHL playoff series." ~Steve Rushin
lower round package
heh heh
The Philadelphia Flyers: Let's do it for Lappy, man. We'll do it for Lappy!
by Cheryl Bradley on Jun 8, 2010 1:57 PM MDT up reply actions
Chicago doesn’t have a lot of haggle power here. They have to sign Seabrook to an RFA deal already and they are going to be 800K underwater as it is. Buff is gone and they need to shed more salary after Buff, and most importantly they can’t TAKE any salary. So they are looking at pure picks or minor league prospects.
Avs aren’t unique in this, every team will have that bargaining chip. Some team is going to get a hell of a deal out of Chicago.
problem is
They will probably want to deal with eastern conference teams over western, so the Avs already have that disadvantage.
Quitter's People United Member #33
"I am a business major in college after all." - One MHR commenter's rationale for knowing more about the Denver Broncos than I do. LOL.
by Bob in Boulder on Jun 8, 2010 10:21 AM MDT up reply actions
Why would they want to handcuff themselves and reduce their negotiating partners by almost 50% right away? Is that why they did the deal with the Wild during the season? Think before you post, OK Bob?
"We left (the combine) saying, 'Boy, that's pretty unique, what he has and his passion for this game and for winning.' He's been a winner, and you could see why." Josh McDaniels on Tim Tebow.
by Dan Winkler on Jun 8, 2010 10:26 AM MDT up reply actions
You’re telling me that it just doesn’t logically make sense that, if they have to deal someone like Sharp, who is no fucking Cam Barker, that they wouldn’t prefer to send him to the other conference? Really? I didn’t say they wouldn’t deal him to a western conference team, but it sure as hell makes sense that they would prefer to deal him away from their competition for playoff seeding, doesn’t it?
Quitter's People United Member #33
"I am a business major in college after all." - One MHR commenter's rationale for knowing more about the Denver Broncos than I do. LOL.
by Bob in Boulder on Jun 8, 2010 10:33 AM MDT up reply actions
1. Acquiring a new player, especially one not named Kane or Toews, doesn’t guarantee that the new team will be better in the regular season than Chicago.
2. Playoff seeding doesn’t matter. If you’re in it, you’ve got a chance, no matter if you eked in to the playoffs on the last day of the regular season (for example).
"We left (the combine) saying, 'Boy, that's pretty unique, what he has and his passion for this game and for winning.' He's been a winner, and you could see why." Josh McDaniels on Tim Tebow.
by Dan Winkler on Jun 8, 2010 2:31 PM MDT up reply actions
2. Playoff seeding doesn’t matter. If you’re in it, you’ve got a chance, no matter if you eked in to the playoffs on the last day of the regular season (for example).
GO FLYERS!!!!!!!!!!!!
The Philadelphia Flyers: Let's do it for Lappy, man. We'll do it for Lappy!
by Cheryl Bradley on Jun 8, 2010 2:53 PM MDT up reply actions
Go Lappy!!!!!
"Here's your dream: Matt Duchene, can he do it?... HE CAN! HE DID IT! MATT DUCHENE AND THE AVS ARE IN THE PLAYOFFS!" - Mike Haynes
chicago fans seem to think the amount of bidders will counteract the fact that they’re dealing from weakness, and there’s some truth to that, I think.
I go back and forth on it. One thing I know — it’s gonna be fascinating.
Yeah, I see Chicago getting a nice grip of draft picks for these guys they have to move. It’s not like they are trying to move Brett Clark.
Versteeg, Sharp, Byff, all these guys have value that other teams will auction picks for.
"By the age of 18, the average American has witnessed 200,000 acts of violence on television, most of them occurring during Game 1 of the NHL playoff series." ~Steve Rushin
Sharp
Sure as hell is increasing his value during the playoffs. It is going to be interesting, for sure.
Quitter's People United Member #33
"I am a business major in college after all." - One MHR commenter's rationale for knowing more about the Denver Broncos than I do. LOL.
by Bob in Boulder on Jun 8, 2010 10:35 AM MDT up reply actions
Yeah, and despite all my criticisms of Chicago if they win the Cup, the stupid contracts will all be worth it. They may be one and done but one cup is a pretty good payoff when you haven’t touched the holy grail since 1962.
BTW, if they want to deal to the Eastern Conference like Bob suggests then not only do they have a limited number of Eastern teams but they have to also contend with teams that have the cap room to take on their salary AND have the assets to trade for them. I just hope Sherman and Co. are making their bid.
Hey Bob in Boulder
I think the Avs should sign Kovie. What do you think?
Sports don't build character, they reveal it
Is Joe Sakic a first ballot HoFer?
Quitter's People United Member #33
"I am a business major in college after all." - One MHR commenter's rationale for knowing more about the Denver Broncos than I do. LOL.
by Bob in Boulder on Jun 7, 2010 10:31 PM MDT up reply actions
No. In his eligibility year, the only slots available are taken by Chris Osgood, Jimmy Howard, and Jimmy Howard’s Pee-Wee catching glove.
MHH- A drinking site with a hockey problem
Detroit Sucks
I heard Howard had to get rid of that glove because it violated a treaty with Russia about a missile defense shield over Canada.
"By the age of 18, the average American has witnessed 200,000 acts of violence on television, most of them occurring during Game 1 of the NHL playoff series." ~Steve Rushin
It’s true. That’s why we have Palin watching the Russians.
If we don't get our sauce, we ain't watching the game!
bangs head against wall
STOP, STOP, STOP, STOP!!!
You guys are acting like friggen SCHOOLGIRLS when it comes to Kovy…STOOOOP! He’s not coming, he wants too much money for the plan we have in place right now, let the kids mature. Duchene will all make us go Ilya WHO soon enough…come on guys, let’s get back into reality here.
"It comes from motivation within" - Matt Hendricks
Mile High Mayhem just another ho-hum Avs blog.
BURGUNDY ARMY...BLEEDING BURGUNDY UNTIL I DIE!!!
It’s all been conditional on a ~7.5M – 8.5M cap hit. Anything more than that, and I’m not really interested.
The New Improved Avalanche. Now with Real Coaches!
Jibblescribbits: C'mon over and waste some time
by Jibblescribbits on Jun 8, 2010 8:06 AM MDT up reply actions
This. I am 100 percent pro-Kovie, but if he wants more then 7.5-8.5, NO THANKS.
The existence of flamethrowers is proof that someone, somewhere, said to himself, "I want to set those people over there on fire, but I don't feel like walking over there to do it."
Screw the Wings.
Me too on the cap hit. I really want them to go Zetterberg/Hossa/Keith on him if possible. All of those guys have amazingly low cap hits compared to other equivalent players.
Quitter's People United Member #33
"I am a business major in college after all." - One MHR commenter's rationale for knowing more about the Denver Broncos than I do. LOL.
by Bob in Boulder on Jun 8, 2010 10:00 AM MDT up reply actions
You’re blowing up the book of face and now here. Just do what I do whenever Bibby posts something: ignore the content and make fun of him.
If we don't get our sauce, we ain't watching the game!
good thing
otherwise, think of the sandwiches, man. Think of those poor, defenseless, sandwiches.
Quitter's People United Member #33
"I am a business major in college after all." - One MHR commenter's rationale for knowing more about the Denver Broncos than I do. LOL.
by Bob in Boulder on Jun 8, 2010 9:56 AM MDT up reply actions
Did someone say school girls?
Other than that, all I heard was mumbling.
Quitter's People United Member #33
"I am a business major in college after all." - One MHR commenter's rationale for knowing more about the Denver Broncos than I do. LOL.
by Bob in Boulder on Jun 8, 2010 9:55 AM MDT up reply actions 1 recs
Speaking of sandwiches,
that girl needs one, or 20.
Though I do like your utter and complete lack of style and dignity.
2009-2010 Colorado Avalanche - Much more gooderer than last year!
Ignore the elephant in the room?
Nobody is forcing anyone to click this post. There are plenty of other posts about Jonas Holos, David Koci and TJ Hensick for your reading enjoyment. However, I think the 100+ replies to this thread tell you what the topic of the day is.
Now if you’ll excuse me, I don’t think people should be talking about the World Cup, so I’m going to go tell the rest of the world to pretend it doesn’t exist and move on with their lives.
"By the age of 18, the average American has witnessed 200,000 acts of violence on television, most of them occurring during Game 1 of the NHL playoff series." ~Steve Rushin
Permission to go all schoolgirly over Sharp?
2009-2010 Colorado Avalanche - Much more gooderer than last year!
IS this a subtle way of saying you want a jealous catfight with thedoctor? ‘Cause I don’t think anyone wins in that scenario.
The New Improved Avalanche. Now with Real Coaches!
Jibblescribbits: C'mon over and waste some time
by Jibblescribbits on Jun 8, 2010 10:17 AM MDT up reply actions
Don’t we all win in that scenario? Who doesn’t love a good catfight?
"We left (the combine) saying, 'Boy, that's pretty unique, what he has and his passion for this game and for winning.' He's been a winner, and you could see why." Josh McDaniels on Tim Tebow.
by Dan Winkler on Jun 8, 2010 10:21 AM MDT up reply actions
When I think of a good catfight
two skinny white guys aren’t exactly my ideal sparring partners.
The New Improved Avalanche. Now with Real Coaches!
Jibblescribbits: C'mon over and waste some time
by Jibblescribbits on Jun 8, 2010 10:38 AM MDT up reply actions
Oh the summer of Kovie
Is bringing out all sorts of Kovie. Foppa Kovie. Hartley Kovie. Martin Kovie. Whitney Kovie. Mike’s Kovie of me. All we need it Kovie, to quote Red’s favorite band. Kovie is in the air.
Quitter's People United Member #33
"I am a business major in college after all." - One MHR commenter's rationale for knowing more about the Denver Broncos than I do. LOL.
Your post needs more Kovie.
"By the age of 18, the average American has witnessed 200,000 acts of violence on television, most of them occurring during Game 1 of the NHL playoff series." ~Steve Rushin
how could I forget
Ice girl Kovie.
Quitter's People United Member #33
"I am a business major in college after all." - One MHR commenter's rationale for knowing more about the Denver Broncos than I do. LOL.
by Bob in Boulder on Jun 8, 2010 10:36 AM MDT up reply actions
I assume “horse” is your nickname for a wheelchair.
The New Improved Avalanche. Now with Real Coaches!
Jibblescribbits: C'mon over and waste some time
by Jibblescribbits on Jun 8, 2010 10:39 AM MDT up reply actions
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