The new "New NHL"
Posted 12:07 PM ET | Comments 0
I've been reading some of the rumors swirling around as well as reviewing moves that have taken place in the time the new CBA has been in effect, be it the last 3 years and it seems apparent that the league has in fact evolved in a direction it intended to go all along.
I remember analysts that I respect, Pierre McGuire, comes to mind commenting that the new NHL would allow the better general managers to shine and that the opportunity for poorly managed teams to easily correct mistakes, often big ones, would dissipate, it was true!
Let me preface this by mentioning that I'm not writing this up with the purpose of bashing the Leafs but unfortunately for them they've become the poster child of a team that did not adapt well to the new realities of the NHL. Money was spent unwisely and now they're stuck at the top of the cap, with few prospects and even less draft picks. Furthermore their situation might be worse than it looks like because the structure of the team seems awry from the top on down. In fact I'm sure most would agree that there are probably 2 people in the Leafs organization that are worth keeping, Kaberle and Maurice, and in my opinion there's a good chance both won't finish the year!!! But I digress.
If only to soothe Leafs fan our GM made a huge mistake when he signed Samsonov to a 2 year deal worth 7.05 large. The good thing is that he figured a way out of it. Come to think of it he did the same thing with Theodore the year before. That's what some of the old school teams are incapable of doing, knowing when to let go!
Lately there's been rumors that the Ducks might waive Bryzgalov rather than trade him. Like most people it seems incredulous that they would get rid of such a player for nothing in return... I'm not so sure. First I believe that Brian Burke is wise beyond his words. Second if he trades Bryzgalov for anything he will be getting salary in return, therefore it won't help his cap issues. third and not least if he needs room it is for Niedermeyer to return...... Now I ask you, would you trade Bryzgalov for Scotty Niedermeyer straight up? I think we all would and I'm pretty sure that the Ducks will come out winners of this deal.
I remember analysts that I respect, Pierre McGuire, comes to mind commenting that the new NHL would allow the better general managers to shine and that the opportunity for poorly managed teams to easily correct mistakes, often big ones, would dissipate, it was true!
Let me preface this by mentioning that I'm not writing this up with the purpose of bashing the Leafs but unfortunately for them they've become the poster child of a team that did not adapt well to the new realities of the NHL. Money was spent unwisely and now they're stuck at the top of the cap, with few prospects and even less draft picks. Furthermore their situation might be worse than it looks like because the structure of the team seems awry from the top on down. In fact I'm sure most would agree that there are probably 2 people in the Leafs organization that are worth keeping, Kaberle and Maurice, and in my opinion there's a good chance both won't finish the year!!! But I digress.
If only to soothe Leafs fan our GM made a huge mistake when he signed Samsonov to a 2 year deal worth 7.05 large. The good thing is that he figured a way out of it. Come to think of it he did the same thing with Theodore the year before. That's what some of the old school teams are incapable of doing, knowing when to let go!
Lately there's been rumors that the Ducks might waive Bryzgalov rather than trade him. Like most people it seems incredulous that they would get rid of such a player for nothing in return... I'm not so sure. First I believe that Brian Burke is wise beyond his words. Second if he trades Bryzgalov for anything he will be getting salary in return, therefore it won't help his cap issues. third and not least if he needs room it is for Niedermeyer to return...... Now I ask you, would you trade Bryzgalov for Scotty Niedermeyer straight up? I think we all would and I'm pretty sure that the Ducks will come out winners of this deal.