Do You Think a Handshake Counts?

Posted 2:05 PM ET | Comments 9

David Pollack dug around some to find out what the deal is with the one Shark we all want to have back next season, Ryan Clowe.

It all started when an article surfaced on sportsnet.ca about the future of the Sharks (link below). In it was a small statement basically stating that a deal was close to being reached since Doug Wilson and Ryan Clowe came to an agreement and the two shook on it, and the deal should be finalized shortly.

What Pollack found is that apparently the handshake, that was mentioned in the other article recently, happened back during Clowe's rehab period, but prior to when he returned to action. At that time, they shook on a deal for a contract of two years at an agreed salary, and Wilson had thought that the deal was all but put to paper.

But now, it seems that Clowe's agent is possibly stirring things up, but the agent refuses to comment since "we don't have a deal right now"

Wilson is upset with the situation, but not at his player, and unfortunatley, Clowe could not be reached for a comment.

So this leads me to my question, do you think a verbal agreement is enough to solidify the deal? Does a handshake count?

Sporstnet.ca: http://www.sportsnet.ca/h...08/07/10/Sharks-Retool-0/
Pollack Blog: http://blogs.mercurynews....l-does-a-handshake-count/

Filed Under: Sharks Free Agents Contracts

blueshirts4cup

July 11, 2008 2:47 PM ET | Delete
you are a great follower of david pollak

SoCalSharksGirl

July 11, 2008 3:15 PM ET | Delete
He's one of the only people that follows the team regularly, so I tend to source him a lot I know. But I try to find things elsewhere if I can, but not many people cover the team like he does. I'm kind of more asking the question of what people think here, but I should have clarified that before, and I'm just throwing it out there for people who may not have read it.

force

July 11, 2008 3:32 PM ET | Delete
legally handshakes are not enforceable

phi1671

July 11, 2008 3:41 PM ET | Delete
it would be nice to have a handshake mean something in today's business world but this doesn't surprise me. Agents and players want to make the most money while they can. Agents want to get the most since they make money off of their client.I would think the players realize the good teams and the bad teams instead of just going after the money.I would think the players would understand cap teams and modify their demands to some degree if their on a good team and want the team to stay together.But, I'm dreaming.

Al Hacker

July 11, 2008 4:23 PM ET | Delete
Ask Nylander.

Pucked

July 11, 2008 4:45 PM ET | Delete
Clowe should tell his agent to get the deal done. If your word means nothing, you won't win too many friends in any business. Doug Wilson was too trusting, but you gotta love his integrity. If Clowe and his agent want to make this an issue to push for more money, he may find himself out of luck with the Sharks.

sirwin31

July 11, 2008 4:57 PM ET | Delete
Giordano and Langkow apparently shook hands with Sutter over their deals, and they're both Flames ... it does happen. But in answer to your question: No a handshake does not generally constitute an agreement, that is held at any rate; it should, but it doesn't. Hell signing a contract doesn't even necessarily mean you have to honor it - ask Radulov.

predswilrule