Two for the Money
Posted 12:58 AM ET | Comments 6
The Calgary Flames signed Matt Stajan and Rene Bourque to long contract extensions. In my opinion, both do not make a lot of sense.
As much as I like him as a player, Rene Bourque has been injury riddled since he started his NHL career. Only once has he played over 70 games in a season; his rookie campaign in Chicago when he played 77 games and recorded 34 points. The following seasons he has played 44, 62 and 58 respectively. He is on pace to play roughly 70 games this season, as he has already missed 9 contests earlier in the season. I understand the 6-year contract is front loaded, but it still doesn’t make sense.
Why would you take such a risk on a guy who is prone to getting injured? Also, how does he garner that kind of salary? He has eclipsed the 40 point plateau now twice in his career; this season being his second. Yes, his points per game numbers are high, but if he only plays 60 games a season what good is he? I would have way rather have seen a 3 year deal.
The salary cap is only due to come down in the next couple years and this deal could handcuff the Flames for a while if Bourque continues his annual visits to the infirmary.
I would have loved to have seen Stajan’s face when he saw that contract offer. I am sure he could not touch pen to paper any faster.
Similar to Bourque, Matt Stajan has not exactly been an offensive powerhouse as he has had only one season in which he scored over 50 points; that being last season. The difference between the two is that Stajan has been playing in Leaf Land for his entire career and the offensive output on that team has never been anything to marvel at.
Still, you can not grant him that kind of money for the 7 games he has played in a Flames jersey (2G, 2A, 7GP). He is a number two center who is being forced into the number one spot. Does this sound familiar? Langkow, Lombardi and Conroy have all been forced into this role, yet none of them have encompassed enough skill to compliment #12 properly.
Is Matt Stajan really the answer? The simple answer is no.
I guess developers build on ‘spec’ sometimes and I presume that is what Sutter has done here. I am just not sure that either of these two will be worth the cost in the long run.
This has been,
Newman on the Flames
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As much as I like him as a player, Rene Bourque has been injury riddled since he started his NHL career. Only once has he played over 70 games in a season; his rookie campaign in Chicago when he played 77 games and recorded 34 points. The following seasons he has played 44, 62 and 58 respectively. He is on pace to play roughly 70 games this season, as he has already missed 9 contests earlier in the season. I understand the 6-year contract is front loaded, but it still doesn’t make sense.
Why would you take such a risk on a guy who is prone to getting injured? Also, how does he garner that kind of salary? He has eclipsed the 40 point plateau now twice in his career; this season being his second. Yes, his points per game numbers are high, but if he only plays 60 games a season what good is he? I would have way rather have seen a 3 year deal.
The salary cap is only due to come down in the next couple years and this deal could handcuff the Flames for a while if Bourque continues his annual visits to the infirmary.
I would have loved to have seen Stajan’s face when he saw that contract offer. I am sure he could not touch pen to paper any faster.
Similar to Bourque, Matt Stajan has not exactly been an offensive powerhouse as he has had only one season in which he scored over 50 points; that being last season. The difference between the two is that Stajan has been playing in Leaf Land for his entire career and the offensive output on that team has never been anything to marvel at.
Still, you can not grant him that kind of money for the 7 games he has played in a Flames jersey (2G, 2A, 7GP). He is a number two center who is being forced into the number one spot. Does this sound familiar? Langkow, Lombardi and Conroy have all been forced into this role, yet none of them have encompassed enough skill to compliment #12 properly.
Is Matt Stajan really the answer? The simple answer is no.
I guess developers build on ‘spec’ sometimes and I presume that is what Sutter has done here. I am just not sure that either of these two will be worth the cost in the long run.
This has been,
Newman on the Flames
Follow on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=188492198253
Twitter: http://twitter.com/NewmansFlames
Read More at: http://calgaryontheflames.blogspot.com/
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I agree somewhat, though I'm a bit more wary of the Stajan signing. Personally I was quite surprised when the Flames signed Stajan today after only 7 games. Seems like that one could backfire very easily. I have always wanted them to re-sign Bourque, though the six years was way longer than i expected.
Having watched Stajan for his entire career to date it seems perhaps a slight overpayment in either dollars or term. At least Stajan is a good dressing room guy and won't hurt defensively. The consensus is that Stajan's offensive potential is limited by needing to rely on his linemates more than a true number one centre... a concern somewhat trumped by the awesomeness of Iginla.
Stajan can win faceoffs! That is all. Frees up a couple of million to move out Langkow and Stajan will be our number two. Bring on Crosby :)
You know, I'm not even greedy I would "settle" for Toews....haha
Langkow has less points and is a million more cap hit and 7 years older than Stajan. I thjink Stajkan is a 2nd liner yes but the deals make sense if you read what Sutter is writting. The length is a way of keeping the cap hit lower, to me this means he's dealing for a #1 Center or plans on signing one (e.g. marleau) Also wouldn't be surprised if Langkow was part of that deal if it goes down.
I Agree 100% with Saneopinion. I believe the person is Crosby though! At least thats what I'm dreaming until the deadline has past. Just like I'll be certain I'm going to win the lottery up until I check my ticket.