The NHL Off-Season Thread Starts With a Bang

[notyoueither]

So Hossa's deal with Chicago is now under NHL investigation.

And Pronger's.

Seems the Flyers screwed up by their surprise that the contract is covered by the 35+ clause.

NHL: Hmm, why would that be a surprise, and why an issue?

It sounds like they are going to nail Chicago and Philly if early retirement was discussed.

IMO, they should have started this long ago with some of the other deals that have unrealastically low salary at the end of long contracts for aging players.

[Sava]

The league doesn't want Chicago to lose in the Finals?

at least not for the next 12 years
they probably want to make sure Hossa moves around a little bit, so other teams have a chance at losing in the Finals

[Asher]

And Pronger's.

Seems the Flyers screwed up by their surprise that the contract is covered by the 35+ clause.

NHL: Hmm, why would that be a surprise, and why an issue?

It sounds like they are going to nail Chicago and Philly if early retirement was discussed.

IMO, they should have started this long ago with some of the other deals that have unrealastically low salary at the end of long contracts for aging players.

I was reading an article the other day that blamed Sutter for this trend, with his Kiprusoff contract which was the first of this kind.

His salary went 8.5 -> 7 -> 7 -> 6 -> 5 -> 1.5, cap hit of 5.83M.

[notyoueither]

I was thinking of Kiprusoff's deal. I think it was also discussed at the time that he didn't intend to play that long.

[Flubber]

I was reading an article the other day that blamed Sutter for this trend, with his Kiprusoff contract which was the first of this kind.

His salary went 8.5 -> 7 -> 7 -> 6 -> 5 -> 1.5, cap hit of 5.83M.

As long as the salary cap is an AVERAGE that doesn't weight at all the time value implicit in paying earlier, these types of things will be possible. I don't see Kipper's deal as being outrageous or anything and it is likely that he would play even beyond the current term of his contract.

The problem is that if front-loading is legitimate and allowed if the term is well within the expected career length of the player but not if there is some expectation or plan that the last years of the contract will NOT be performed, you get in a situation of trying to assess the liklihood that a player will actually play, 6-10 years from now.

[Wezil]

I'm really starting to wonder about Balsille. He can't seem to get along with anyone else.

.

[notyoueither]

Did someone throw a hex on the Blackhawks?

http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=287230

Hawks' Kane arrested for robbing, assaulting cab driver
TSN.ca Staff
8/9/2009 4:45:54 PM

Chicago Blackhawks forward Patrick Kane and his cousin were arrested early Sunday morning for assaulting and robbing a cab driver in Buffalo.

According to a police report, the 20-year-old Kane and his cousin James M. Kane, 21, were arrested around 5am et after allegedly punching the cabbie after he said he did not have proper change for their trip fare.

The report says the cab fare was $13.80 and the Kanes handed the driver $15. He claims he had only $1 change and was not in possession of another twenty cents to give back. According to the police report, both Kanes took their money back and punched the cabbie in the face and head. Police spokesman Michael DeGeorge said that the driver suffered cuts to his face, as well as damage to his glasses.

Both men have been charged with second-degree robbery, fourth-degree criminal mischief and theft of services.

The NHL is working with the local police department in trying to assemble the details, while NHLPA Executive Director Paul Kelly and NHLPA Director of Player Affairs Glenn Healy are also gathering information on the case.

Kane's agent, Pat Brisson, did not comment on the situation, but Blackhawks spokesman Brandon Faber said the team is aware of the allegations against their star right winger.

"He is a big part of our organization and a team leader and we stand behind him," said Faber. "As we are still collecting all the facts, it would be premature to comment further at this time."

Kane, a Buffalo native, had attended a press conference with Mayor Byron Brown to announce funding for a local rink just days before the arrest.

Buffalo's WIVB-TV is reporting that an attorney for the Kanes has entered a plea of not guilty in City court.

Kane was awarded the Calder Trophy as the NHL's top rookie after an impressive 2007-08 campaign, and registered 25 goals and 45 assists for 70 points last season with Chicago.

[Flubber]

That Kane thing is just toooo weird-- First who doesn't just tip the driver a lousy buck-twenty?? and then the millionaire hockey player assaults someone over 20 cents??

Its beyond unbelievable yet obviously the police must think there is some merit to these allegations

[ColdWizard]

Maybe he was too drunk to remember he's a rich pro hockey player now?

[snoopy369]

I have to say that it obviously sounds like the guys were more than a bit soused. The 'robbery' charge is entirely bogus, though; there's no way they'd charge a regular guy with robbery over this sort of thing. Misdemeanor assault/battery and failing to pay for services rendered sound like exactly what happened here. The DA is just trying to get his name in the paper.

Either way, pretty stupid though. Just get a driver next time ...

[-Jrabbit]

UNblvbl

[rah]

Silly. Suprised that we haven't seen pictures taken in the bar prior.

[Ben Kenobi]

20 cents? Just tip the damn driver.

We had a few like that when I did deliveries. Thankfully I usually had a reasonable float.

[Asher]

Kane's new nickname is '20 Cent'.

Also:
Whats the difference between Patrick Kane and a canoe?
A canoe tips.

As for him being a cheapass punk, need I remind anyone he is from Buffalo? If you've ever been there, you'd understand.

[Asher]