Friday, September 3, 2010

A behind the scenes look at the Kovalchuk negotiations

You must be this tall to get
your contract approved.


Or, maybe not.













  1. Here's the thing:
    Kovalchuk wants a contract in excess of $100 million (you know, because his fellow Russian got one.. and he's just as good... cough, cough).
    Devils want to keep him but can't afford to shell out that cash on a shorter term contract, so they're playing with the numbers.
    NHL knows this and is (berate me for saying it) fairly saying "if you want to offer him over $100 million to play, you'd better intend to pay it while he's still playing!".

    So, I know how everyone loves Bettman, but let's be honest, he's doing the right thing by challenging this. If NJ really believes Kovy's worth it, then sign him for that amount over a realistic time frame. If not, pay him less for that realistic time frame. If his ego won't accept that, wish him well in Russia. The end.

  2. I can't wait to find out how the next lockout will be the Rangers fault.

  3. Uhh, I think you're in the wrong room. Serious Debate is two doors down on the left. This is Sarcasm 101.

  4. dial it back a bit nuuuuuuuuugs, anon's got a point and me thinks there's always room in Sarcasm 101 for some straight up talk about the ridiculous.

  5. Funny because it all feels true. Thanks DGB!

  6. Anonymous- you should sign your comment. It's right on the money.

    The league is correct to require teams to take a cap hit that equals the money they are actually paying a player, otherwise the CBA does nothing to create parity. They should have stepped in on the Hossa deal when it was submitted.

    Edmonton, Buffalo, Atlanta, Phoenix, and Columbus can't afford to pay 10m per year to one player whether his cap hit is 10m or 6m. Yet Chicago can afford to pay out piles of money to Hossa, Kane, Toews, and Keith and still make a profit. I am all for free market systems, but this is about entertainment. To be entertaining and compelling, the league must have parity. When only five or six teams can realistically hope to win a championship because they are the only ones who can afford to pay multiple elite players, you eliminate drama and you eliminate fans.

  7. Does that ref looks like Brian Rolston or is it just me?

  8. Dammit, someone explain the jam jar!

  9. Best Caption Ever!!

  10. jam jar...certain people in NJ have a nervous tick around sticky containers of jelly and said containers may slip out of their hands. There is a link to the story in the last Kovy post :)

    As always DGB, very nice!!!

  11. @Razor Catch Prey - While I agree with your comment, I don't believe Edmonton belongs on your list of examples. They may have when the EIG ran the team, but Daryl Katz can actually afford to spend to the salary cap.