Unrestricted Free Players / Mover and Shakers

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Stealth
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Joined: Thu Oct 12, 2006 2:05 pm

Unrestricted Free Players / Mover and Shakers

Post by Stealth » Tue Jul 01, 2008 11:37 am

From The WILD web page;

On the NHL Critical Dates Calendar, July 1 stands alone in its significance.

At 11 a.m. Central Time approximately 150 players, nearly 25 percent of the league's regulars, become unrestricted and can sign with any team. We as a management group have prepared for this day for 1-2 years (that far in advance because we feel the need to always look ahead at the two ensuing UFA classes to determine when/how to add to our team).

In our pro scout meetings over the last year we have discussed all of the league's players as well as rated them, on a scale of "A" to "D."

A = Elite NHL Player
B = Top NHL player (Top-6 Forward or Top-3 Defenseman)
C = Good Role Player (Plays a significant role)
D = Role Player (Good teams look to replace these players)

When analyzing the list of UFA players, the following realities emerge:

* 152 players who rate between "A" and "D" will hit the market (barring last-minute re-signings). The size of the UFA class is staggering.

* Of the 152 UFAs, only 18 rate as an "A" or a "B." The number of Elite and Top players is extremely low, considering the overall size of the class.

* Of the 152 UFAs, 134 are role players (rating as "C" or "D"). Some of them are "Good Role" players ("C"), while more are "Role" players ("D"). If you're signing a "D" you probably are not improving your team because you likely went into the market to begin with looking to replace a player who is a "D."

* In our evaluations of the 30 teams we project 39 openings league-wide for top-6 forwards or top-3 defensemen. But only 18 players meet the description. The demand far outweighs the supply, which should guarantee that most, if not all, of those 18 players sign contracts for more money than they merit. This lack of top-end supply is why so few players have signed extensions with their own teams the last couple of months and why some teams have been willing to give up a draft pick or two for the right to negotiate with another team's top UFA player.

The ensuing days involve many unknowns, but the following "knowns" will guide us through the process:

- If we want an "Elite" or "Top" player we almost surely will overpay. As in the summers of 2004 and 2006 the Wild will go this route if the right players want to come to Minnesota. But the team won't overpay just any player to address an immediate need if such a move will hinder our ability to change or improve the team later.

- Many teams will have roster spots open and needs unaddressed beyond the initial wave of signings. These openings could lead to some "Good Role" players being overpaid.

- In a cap system only so much money can be spent. Those players who fall below the "Elite" and "Top" players and the best of the "Good Role" players could find money hard to come by. At some point this summer a group of players should become available for less money than those players presently expect to make. However, it will take time, perhaps into September, for some of these players to accept this reality.

A fascinating game will unfold in the coming days. July 1 will provide us an avenue for addressing our needs but not necessarily the only avenue. We will need to be creative. We will explore trades (in a cap system, teams are forced to subtract players to address other needs, be they financial or on-ice). We will need to be diligent. And we will need to be patient.

We cannot win the Northwest Division on July 1. But we can lose it.


Think we will get anything going today going forward?

sachishi4
Posts: 1179
Joined: Thu Dec 28, 2006 7:15 pm
Location: SLP

Post by sachishi4 » Tue Jul 01, 2008 11:41 am

We need to make a move, a big one.

It's Christmas in July

Hopefully the Wild don't get a lump of coal
State ‘83, ‘91, ‘08, ‘20

sachishi4
Posts: 1179
Joined: Thu Dec 28, 2006 7:15 pm
Location: SLP

Post by sachishi4 » Tue Jul 01, 2008 1:01 pm

Santa has arrived

Wild Sign Brunette

Wild trade for Zidlicky
State ‘83, ‘91, ‘08, ‘20

Stealth
Posts: 663
Joined: Thu Oct 12, 2006 2:05 pm

Post by Stealth » Wed Jul 02, 2008 2:52 pm

Hossa signed a one-year contract with Detroit on Wednesday, the deal is worth $7.45 million.
one year deal.



Great, looks like the cup goes thru Detroit again?


Do you think the WILD will get any OFFENSIVE minded player to come here when Jacques Lemaire plays only Defense? :twisted:

sinbin006
Posts: 818
Joined: Tue Nov 28, 2006 9:53 pm

Post by sinbin006 » Sun Jul 06, 2008 11:33 pm


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