Let the speculation begin.
The new salary cap era of the NHL seems to be leaving many teams with little to do but let some of their younger talents go the way of the free agent market come July 1st. In a 30-team league, this makes it even harder to build a dynasty and keep it that way.
In Pittsburgh, the dilemma comes with the resigning of their big forwards—Evgeni Malkin, Marian Hossa, Ryan Malone, Jordan Staal, and Petr Sykora along with netminder Marc-Andre Fleury and defenseman Brooks Orpik.
With much of their cap space devoted to Sidney Crosby, how is Ray Shero going to keep a young, talented, and potentially dynastic Penguins team together for a few years?
At the outset, it looks like Malkin is the one on the outside looking in. Malkin may have led the Penguins to the playoffs with Crosby, but he is not the one who is saving the NHL by being its next superstar. Thus, Malkin's stock isn't as high and his cheque will probably not be in the Ovechkin/Crosby range.
Along with Malkin, there are rumors that the Columbus Blue Jackets are already interested in Ryan Malone and would be willing to pay $5 million per over five years.
We saw what happened in Edmonton, despite no salary cap, and the Oilers couldn't keep their dynasty longer than eight to ten years. The Montreal Canadiens dynasty of the 1970s lasted about the same amount of time. Last time a "dynasty" caliber team was in Pittsburgh, the team fell apart after only two to four years.
Not even remotely close to thinking dynasty, the Minnesota Wild are just hoping to be able to keep one superstar and not lose two. Both Brian Rolston and Pavol Demitra are UFAs this summer, yet Wild GM Doug Risebrough has only devoted his efforts to signing one, and so far the frontrunner is Rolston.
Risebrough has said that both are not coming back, yet if he cannot get Rolston signed, he will turn his attention to possibly resigning Demitra, if possible.
In Montreal, Bob Gainey must act quickly to avoid losing one of the best power-play defenseman—again. Mark Streit may command at least a $2 million per year contract, if not more, this coming off-season, yet the Canadiens have made forward Andrei Kostitsyn and his 29 goals this last season a priority.
Rumours have been spreading that the New York Rangers may be interested in Streit and may give him a full-time defensive role, unlike his constant shifting in Montreal.
Jul. 1 will answer many of these questions.
Sources: www.habsinsideout.com
www.tsn.ca/nhl
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3 months ago
I can see these coming into effect, as they are all reasonable moves. However with all the talk of Malkin staying in Pittsburgh, that can throw a wrench into any team's ideas. All this extension talk is just talk, because there's no way that two superstars and a strong supporting cast could stay together in the salary cap era. Good job though man.
3 months ago
great article, matt...i hope these are answered soon im getting fidgety lol
3 months ago
I like the article, but there is one thing I do not agree with, and that is: "Thus, Malkin's stock isn't as high and his cheque will probably not be in the Ovechkin/Crosby range." Malkin is asking for more then what Crosby is making and if he leaves the Pens you better believe he will get that kind of paycheque. Malkin is a better player then Crosby.
from 3 months ago
Than Crosby yes, I totally agree. Malkin is a better all-around player. Better than Ovechkin, not a chance. During the playoffs though Malkin seemed to disappear at times, especially in the Finals, while Crosby seemed to carry the team in most games in the Finals. But seeing what Malkin did during the regular season and for sure Malkin deserves a larger contract and he will probably have to go elsewhere to find it.
from 3 months ago
Crosby had a huge Finals; Malkin virtually disappeared. He is more WELL-ROUNDED player, but not a better one.
from 3 months ago
Agreed MJ.
3 months ago
we will see how it goes. another animated summer for sure!
thanks for the news and the rumours Matt! can't wait to find out about them!
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