Devils Salary Cap Situation

Here's the (semi) current Devils cap situation. I'll do my best, but I can't promise it will always be completely up to date. The cap information is from Irish Blues' awesome website (http://www.geocities.com/rmccleary97/index.htm), which has everything you could ever want to know about any teams salary cap. Also, many thanks to Puddy for putting together the original template to make this thing look neat and organized.

For the UFA's and RFA's, the numbers in parentheses are what they made last year.

ACTIVE ROSTER
PLAYER|STATUS|SALARY|SIGNED THROUGH|NOTES
Patrik Elias|Signed|6,000,000|2012-2013|NTC|
Brian Gionta|Signed|4,000,000|2008-2009|
John Madden|Signed|2,938,540|2008-2009|
Jamie Langenbrunner|Signed|2,800,000|2010-2011|Limited NTC|
Travis Zajac|Signed|984,200|2008-2009|
Jay Pandolfo|Signed|836,000|2007-2008|
Colin White|Signed|3,000,000|2011-2012|NTC|
Richard Matvichuk|Signed|1,368,000|2007-2008|
Martin Brodeur|Signed| 5,200,000|2011-2012|NTC|
Sergei Brylin|Option|1,520,000|2006-2007|Player option for 07-08, Team option 08-09|
Scott Gomez|UFA|(5,000,000)|
Jim Dowd|UFA|(450,000)|
Erik Rasmussen|UFA|(450,000)|
Brian Rafalski|UFA|(4,200,000)|
Brad Lukowich|UFA|(1,000,000)|
Scott Clemmensen|UFA|(450,000)|
Zach Parise|RFA|(703,000)|
Michael Rupp|RFA|(450,000)|
Cam Janssen|RFA|(450,000)|
Paul Martin|RFA|(2,000,000)|
Andy Greene|RFA|(850,000)|
Johnny Oduya|RFA|(605,000)|


This offseason should be much easier in terms of looking at the Devils cap situation, since there are no more worries about Mogilny and Malakhov. The only wrinkle is Brylin's option, but I would imagine we'll know what is happening with that before we get into the big free agency buzz.

So far, the Devils cap count for next season is $27,126,740 without Brylin's contract and $28,646,740 with Brylin's contract.

http://www.nypost.com/sports/64039.htm

Brooks reporting that Daley says you guys will be hit with a 7.1M cap hit for next season.

Just reporting, so don't shoot the messanger.

We have the option to buy them out. If we do that, we add the players salaries together, and the cap hit is 2/3 of the combined salaries. This is spread over two years, so approx. 2.36 mil per year, over the next two seasons.

We have the option to buy them out. If we do that, we add the players salaries together, and the cap hit is 2/3 of the combined salaries. This is spread over two years, so approx. 2.36 mil per year, over the next two seasons.

Well, yeah but I'm just showing what was reported is all.

I don't see why they wouldn't buy them out.

Under the new CBA, a club can only buyout three players total until the CBA expires. Contract negotiated buyouts don't count against that, they're "ordinary course buyouts". Buying out Mogilny wouldn't be ordinary course, and would count against the three allowed. Do the Devils want to handcuff themselves after the first year with two buyouts, or do they want to be in cap trouble? It's a tough place to be in.

The Devils have 19 million available to sign 11 or so players? Gomez, Gionta, and Elias being among them.

Gomez makes 2.2M now, and scored a career high of 33 goals, 14 higher than any previous year. How much of a raise does that get him? 2.5, 3, 3.5?

Gionta makes 627k right now, which is an absolute steal, but he put up 48 goals and 89 points. How much does that give him? His performance demands he make considerably more than Gomez, so add 500k or a million onto what Gomez gets. Let's call it 4.

Elias looks like he'll try free agency, and there are no doubts that he'll get at least 6 million, can Jersey match that? They would then have 6 million left to sign 8 players.

Under the new CBA, a club can only buyout three players total until the CBA expires. Contract negotiated buyouts don't count against that, they're "ordinary course buyouts". Buying out Mogilny wouldn't be ordinary course, and would count against the three allowed. Do the Devils want to handcuff themselves after the first year with two buyouts, or do they want to be in cap trouble? It's a tough place to be in.
Just curious as to where you read that, since that's the first time I've heard about that rule. That would indeed be another issue for the Devils to deal with. When does the CBA expire? (Edit, nevermind, I found it, it expires after 2010-2011).

So, to recap, Devils cap hit w/o Malakhov or Mogilny (if Lou can find some genius way to get around their contracts) = 19,925,000

Cap hit with buyout = 22,303,500

Cap hit with full contract values = 27,025,000

Well, the buyout is certainly much more attractive financially, does anyone know by when a team has to buyout a players contract?

Ok, I've been trying to do some research about RFAs, and here's my understanding of them so far...

We need to offer our RFAs qualifying offers if we want to keep them (what happens if we don't give them a qualifying offer?). Qualifying offers are 110% of the past seasons salary for players making less than 660,000; 105% for those making up to 1,000,000; and 100% for those making over a million. And qualifying offers are one year contracts, right?

Then, after the qualifying offers are given, a player can either accept it or go to salary arbitration? What about a long-term contract? How does that work?

Here's the numbers on the qualifying offers we need to give our RFAs:
Colin White: 1,710,000
Paul Martin: 552,200
David Hale: 552,000
Scott Gomez: 2,204,000
Brian Gionta: 689,700

An RFA can work out a deal other than their qualifying offer, they don't go to arbitration. The only time they'll go to arbitration is if the team won't pay them what they want to be paid.

So the numbers I posted were the minimums our RFAs could make, but they'll probably get contracts larger than those. So, any speculation on how much we'll be paying them next year? Here's my thoughts:

Colin White: 2.5 to 3 million
Paul Martin: 1 to 1.5 million
David Hale: about 1 million
Scott Gomez: around 4 million
Brian Gionta: 3.5 million

Thoughts?

Looks about right. Hopefully Gomez and Gionta sign at thoses salaries for a while.

If you go by performance, I think Gionta has to get more than Gomez. He almost scored 50 goals this season.

If you go by performance, I think Gionta has to get more than Gomez. He almost scored 50 goals this season.
I'd be shocked if Gionta gets more than Gomez. Gionta has had one breakout season, Gomez has centered one of the top two lines since his rookie year. Either they'll get the same amount, or Gomez will get a bit more.

No way Gomez signs for $4 Mill. a year - I wish he would - but he's gonna want $5 - 5.5 Mill a year, and frankly he deserves that, maybe even more after next year.

No way Gomez signs for $4 Mill. a year - I wish he would - but he's gonna want $5 - 5.5 Mill a year, and frankly he deserves that, maybe even more after next year.
Yeah, I feel like his contract is the hardest to predict, since he seems to be the most likely to leave after next season. So he could have a cheaper one year deal before bolting for free agency, or a pricier long term deal (hopefully we see the latter).

So, here's some more numbers (assuming my higher-end numbers for RFAs and 5 million for Gomez):
Cap hit (no M&M) = 33,925,000
Cap hit (with buyout) = 36,303,500
Cap hit (full salaries) = 41,025,000

And that's WITHOUT Elias, Langs, or any other UFAs. So it looks like if we're going to have to buyout M&M if we want to keep Elias, Gio, and Gomer, otherwise there's no way we can fit all their contracts under the cap. And unless Lou can find some way to get their salaries off the books completely, I don't know if we'll have enough to re-sign Langenbrunner.

Here's my exact post from the Trade Rumors forum. I did it with no bias in mind and tried to find ideal circumstances with salaries.


I don't really think anyone is assuming "dire consequences" here, though. Just a simple fact that there LOOKS to be no room for Elias if he gets 6M+, which he is pretty much all but assured to get on the open market.

You also have a HUGE raise for Gionta comming, another raise for Gomez, and everything else.

Here is their payroll right now:

http://www.alinmat.com/nhl/teams/devils/payroll.asp

Yes, Klee and Kozlov will be off the books as well as a few of the small, low end role players. But all of these guys will need to be replaced (and the role players salaries will remain pretty much the same).

Bergfors will be a cheaper option to replace someone on the forward top 2 lines as well as Voros.

Colin White will most likely be around the 2-3M mark if they plan to keep him at all. Martin ALSO needs a salary upgrade and I'm assuming he'll get around 1.3M.

Let's do this and say that Elias will command 6M, Gionta and Gomez both 4M each.

14M in three players.

Broduer 5.6M
Rafalski 4.2M
Madden 3.9M
White 2.5M
Brylin 1.5M
Matvichuk 1.4M
Martin 1.3M
Pandolpho .85M (great bargain)
Marshall .76M

That's 36M for 12 players under, more or less, ideal circumstances. That's 43.1M in salary with the 7.1M cap hit in place.

Now they need to add another 6 players and a goaltender and ALSO have to deal with the 7.1M cap hit. I don't think they have a way to keep Elias unless they plan on playing 2 lines full of 4th liners.

This is ALSO assuming they let Langenbrunner walk as well.

Here's my exact post from the Trade Rumors forum. I did it with no bias in mind and tried to find ideal circumstances with salaries.


I don't really think anyone is assuming "dire consequences" here, though. Just a simple fact that there LOOKS to be no room for Elias if he gets 6M+, which he is pretty much all but assured to get on the open market.

You also have a HUGE raise for Gionta comming, another raise for Gomez, and everything else.

Here is their payroll right now:

http://www.alinmat.com/nhl/teams/devils/payroll.asp

Yes, Klee and Kozlov will be off the books as well as a few of the small, low end role players. But all of these guys will need to be replaced (and the role players salaries will remain pretty much the same).

Bergfors will be a cheaper option to replace someone on the forward top 2 lines as well as Voros.

Colin White will most likely be around the 2-3M mark if they plan to keep him at all. Martin ALSO needs a salary upgrade and I'm assuming he'll get around 1.3M.

Let's do this and say that Elias will command 6M, Gionta and Gomez both 4M each.

14M in three players.

Broduer 5.6M
Rafalski 4.2M
Madden 3.9M
White 2.5M
Brylin 1.5M
Matvichuk 1.4M
Martin 1.3M
Pandolpho .85M (great bargain)
Marshall .76M

That's 36M for 12 players under, more or less, ideal circumstances. That's 43.1M in salary with the 7.1M cap hit in place.

Now they need to add another 6 players and a goaltender and ALSO have to deal with the 7.1M cap hit. I don't think they have a way to keep Elias unless they plan on playing 2 lines full of 4th liners.

This is ALSO assuming they let Langenbrunner walk as well.
From everything I've seen, Marty makes 5.2 million and Madden makes just under 3 million (from tsn (http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/feature/?fid=2704&hubname=) and other sites). So that's another 1.3 million to work with.

If we take the full cap hit from M&M, I agree, it will be almost impossible to sign Elias, Gomez, and Gionta. They'd have to be offering some pretty big hometown discounts, and while I could see Gionta taking a bit less (especially with his little brother signed by the Devils), it doesn't look like Elias or Gomez will. It looks like Lou will have to buy out M&M, unless he's got some trick up his sleeve, which is looking less and less likely.

Well from the site I posted, Marty makes 5.2M this year and 6M next year. So I just did the average for the cap hit. I wasn't sure what teh hit was this year, to be honest.

Well from the site I posted, Marty makes 5.2M this year and 6M next year. So I just did the average for the cap hit. I wasn't sure what teh hit was this year, to be honest.
No idea what the cap hit for this year was, since he signed his extension halfway through the season. I believe that site has his numbers from before the extension, he signed a 6 year, $31.2 million contract extension, which works out to 5.2 million per year (according to the Bergen Record (http://northjersey.com/page.php?qstr=eXJpcnk3ZjczN2Y3dnFlZUVFeXkxMDYmZmdi ZWw3Zjd2cWVlRUV5eTY4Njk5MTkmeXJpcnk3ZjcxN2Y3dnFlZU VFeXk2), Asbury Park Press (http://www.app.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060128/SPORTS/601280459/1002), and New York Daily News (http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/hockey/devils/story/386491p-327944c.html)).

No idea what the cap hit for this year was, since he signed his extension halfway through the season. I believe that site has his numbers from before the extension, he signed a 6 year, $31.2 million contract extension, which works out to 5.2 million per year (according to the Bergen Record (http://northjersey.com/page.php?qstr=eXJpcnk3ZjczN2Y3dnFlZUVFeXkxMDYmZmdi ZWw3Zjd2cWVlRUV5eTY4Njk5MTkmeXJpcnk3ZjcxN2Y3dnFlZU VFeXk2), Asbury Park Press (http://www.app.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060128/SPORTS/601280459/1002), and New York Daily News (http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/hockey/devils/story/386491p-327944c.html)).

Yeah, I'm not doubting you at all. I just wasn't sure.

Thanks for clarifying that.

Yeah, I'm not doubting you at all. I just wasn't sure.

Thanks for clarifying that.
Gotcha, yeah his is one of the few I do know for sure. Too bad everyone else's contract info isn't so readily available :shakehead.

Gotcha, yeah his is one of the few I do know for sure. Too bad everyone else's contract info isn't so readily available :shakehead.

It's EXTREMELY annoying when trying to do an analysis on team salaries. For the Rangers, our guy has most of them on his website (outsidethegarden.com), so it's relatively easy to figure out.

It was really hard to decide what in the world each Devils' players cap hit would be when going through their salaries. There really needs to be a site that has EVERYONE'S salary and cap hit for the duration of their contract.

Umm, remember the cap hit is total years plus salary. So Marty's cap hit is only like 5.2 million NOT 6.

Umm, remember the cap hit is total years plus salary. So Marty's cap hit is only like 5.2 million NOT 6.

Who said it was 6?

I said I did an average of this years salary with this comming year's salary and found it to be around 5.6 or so since there was no figures on the ACTUAL cap hit.

The cap hit is the AVERAGE salary over the duration of the contract.

Gomez for a third, Rafalski and a 1st for future considerations would help out...where's Spongebob?

Gomez for a third, Rafalski and a 1st for future considerations would help out...where's Spongebob?

:biglaugh: good times.

Brian Rafalski signed a two-year deal last summer, so he is signed through 2006-07.

Brian Rafalski signed a two-year deal last summer, so he is signed through 2006-07.
Thanks!

Sorry I didn't see the request for the 3 buyout ruling. I screwed up the wording for ordinary course buyouts, etc. It's "outside the regular period", which I believe only includes contract negotiated buyouts (such as the Ed Belfour case in Toronto).

11.18 Ordinary Course Buy-Outs Outside the Regular Period. Clubs shall have the right to exercise Ordinary Course Buy-Outs outside the regular period for Ordinary Course Buy-Outs in accordance with Paragraph 13(c)(ii) of the SPC. Each Club shall be limited to no more than three (3) such buyouts over the term of this Agreement pursuant to Paragraph 13(c)(ii) of the SPC. However, in the event that a Club has only one salary arbitration hearing pursuant to Section 12.3(a) in a given League Year, such Club shall not be entitled to exercise such a buyout outside the regular period for Ordinary Course Buy-Outs. No Club shall exercise an Ordinary Course Buy-out outside the regular period for any Player earning less than $1 million.

1. Almo situation: He may be dealt or even play here again, So nobody knows until after July 1 what his status with the team is. Who knows if he's brought back on board. The fact is they may/may not be a taker for Almo. Maybe a trade will be made ala Salary dump.

2. Malakhov: Again the League hasn't offically ruled on this issued. The Devils have a poignant argument about Malakhov about retiring and the aftermath of him being suspended. While those fans who wish us ill will after this case is settled, the fact is Malakhov was officially suspended for his conduct. This case leans in our favor. Brooks has recycled this piece before and the NHL won't rule on this right now, the playoffs are on.

Also, all of these bad contracts expire at the end of next season. I also take a let's see in October attitude in terms of cap space.

The fact is this:

Rafalski
McGillis
Almo

All come off the books by the time we get to Newark. That's 10 million right there.

John Madden's contract was for five years. He lost the first year to the lockout. If you couple that with this season, he has three more seasons on his contract. That makes him signed through the completion of the 2008-09 season.

Your $2.938 million seems right to me. Madden's contract was front loaded. That is no longer an issue with the new CBA because it takes the total salary and divides it by the number of years, but it is important because Madden lost a lot of money in the lockout.


NHLPA.com lists Andy Greene's compensation at $850,000. I don't know the length of contract because the announcemnt of the contract had along with it the usual, "As per team policy, no further terms were disclosed."

1. Almo situation: He may be dealt or even play here again, So nobody knows until after July 1 what his status with the team is. Who knows if he's brought back on board. The fact is they may/may not be a taker for Almo. Maybe a trade will be made ala Salary dump.
I hope Mogilny can come back to the team if he gets sufficient medical care for his hip.
I don't think there are many teams out there who would take him right now, unless they have assurances his hip will be okay.
Maybe Lou can convince him to delay retirement until after his contract is up with the promise of a job within the organization (maybe as a scout or coach or something).
}:-)>

NHLPA.com lists Andy Greene's compensation at $850,000. I don't know the length of contract because the announcemnt of the contract had along with it the usual, "As per team policy, no further terms were disclosed."
That was probably his compensation for the two weeks the season was on after he signed and is also most likely how much he will make when he makes the big club. However he'll most likely be in Lowell (I'm not going to get used to typing that instead of Albany) next year so he will enter the Newark era when Malakhov, Mogilny, McGillis, and Rafalski come off the books.

Is it me or does it always seem like our players get the most attention when they reach UFA which either forces us to overpay or let them go? Holik, Mogilny, Niedermayer, Elias, Langenbrunner, Rafalski...I'm sure I'm forgetting some. Why can't we fly under the radar when it comes to things like this, like we do for every other thing involved with this organization.

That was probably his compensation for the two weeks the season was on after he signed and is also most likely how much he will make when he makes the big club. However he'll most likely be in Lowell (I'm not going to get used to typing that instead of Albany) next year so he will enter the Newark era when Malakhov, Mogilny, McGillis, and Rafalski come off the books.

Is it me or does it always seem like our players get the most attention when they reach UFA which either forces us to overpay or let them go? Holik, Mogilny, Niedermayer, Elias, Langenbrunner, Rafalski...I'm sure I'm forgetting some. Why can't we fly under the radar when it comes to things like this, like we do for every other thing involved with this organization.If Martin and Hale can make a team with Scott Stevens and Scott Niedermayer already on the blueline, Andy Greene has a heck of a shot at making a roster without . Greene was a much better college player than both Martin and Hale. Greene was named a finalist for the Hobey Baker this past season, CCHA's best defensive defenseman his senior year and CCHA's best offensive defenseman in his junior year.

Greene probably got a multi-year deal. The reason it was so high is because he was the best undrafted amateur free-agent leaving school this spring.

Yes, we seem to forget that Almo might just make the team next year. Lou said it was a chance.

Yes, we seem to forget that Almo might just make the team next year. Lou said it was a chance.
He did???

That would be cool.

He did???

That would be cool.

I remember reading somewhere that if he proves himself in training camp then there is no reason that he WOULDN'T be on the team..... its upto Alex.

I remember reading somewhere that if he proves himself in training camp then there is no reason that he WOULDN'T be on the team..... its upto Alex.Do you think that Mogilny will be less broken-down next year? I am pulling for Mogilny, but I have doubts.

Do you think that Mogilny will be less broken-down next year? I am pulling for Mogilny, but I have doubts.

I doubt it too, especially considering how he played in the minors........but whoever knows.......maybe he'll have something to prove?

If Martin and Hale can make a team with Scott Stevens and Scott Niedermayer already on the blueline, Andy Greene has a heck of a shot at making a roster without . Greene was a much better college player than both Martin and Hale. Greene was named a finalist for the Hobey Baker this past season, CCHA's best defensive defenseman his senior year and CCHA's best offensive defenseman in his junior year.

Greene probably got a multi-year deal. The reason it was so high is because he was the best undrafted amateur free-agent leaving school this spring.
That may be true but I think we may be rushing these guys in before they're ready. I know we're very thin on defense but is it the best policy to sign a guy who isn't the largest defenseman out of college and throw him right into the fire of the NHL, a big step up. I would feel much more comfortable if he spent at least half the season in Lowell before making the team as a regular. We have six defensemen signed for next year...Rafalski White Matvichuk Lukowich Hale and Martin. Much like we did with Hale this year I'd expect Greene to be a #1 in Lowell instead of a #7 in NJ. Considering how Hale went back to the AHL after playing 65 games I'm sure Lou would rather keep a guy back until we're sure he's ready.

Yes, we seem to forget that Almo might just make the team next year. Lou said it was a chance.
Didn't that come out during speculation that we'd call him back up for the playoffs and Lou said something to the effect of "He's not coming back this year but next year who knows?"

It sounds like Lou isn't writing him off completely but I'd be very surprised if he comes back at all next year.

Didn't that come out during speculation that we'd call him back up for the playoffs and Lou said something to the effect of "He's not coming back this year but next year who knows?"

It sounds like Lou isn't writing him off completely but I'd be very surprised if he comes back at all next year.


I believe that is correct, yes.

Greene probably got a multi-year deal. The reason it was so high is because he was the best undrafted amateur free-agent leaving school this spring.

Based on my interpretation of the "leaked" CBA stipulations regarding this and Greene's age, Greene's deal would be a two year deal and $850,000 is the maximum entry level deal for 2005 and 2006.

FWIW, the Capitals signed two players to contracts similar to Greene's, in terms of being undrafted college players, not necessarily in terms of being as sought after (although rumor there was competition for Hunt). They received two year deals, the first of which counted against the 05-06 season, and they will be RFAs after the 06-07 season. They were both signed to the 850,000 max, too; of course, with the expectation that they only made that money for the pro-rated end of the 05-06 season and will play in the minors next season.

"9.3d) Draft-related Unrestricted Free Agents will be subject to the maximum annual aggregate compensation limits set forth in this Section 9.3 applicable in the Entry Draft year immediately preceding the date on which the Player signs his Entry Level SPC. For example, a Draft-related Unrestricted Free Agent Player signed after the date of the 2005 Entry Draft and prior to the 2006 Entry Draft will be subject to the maximum annual aggregate compensation for Players drafted in the 2005 Entry Draft (i.e., $850,000). Such a Player will be subject to all of the other terms and provisions of this Article 9, including without limitation, the terms of Exhibit 5 and the maximum annual Signing Bonus for a Draft-related Unrestricted Free Agent will be limited to 10% of the Player's compensation in any League Year."

DEVILS CURRENTLY SIGNED FOR 2006-07

Forwards (8)

Since it appears that Mogilny will never see New Jersey ever again, this list contains only seven NHL-capable players and not much with regards to offense.

Alexander Mogilny - 3,500,000
John Madden - 2,938,000
Sergei Brylin - 1,520,000
Jason Wiemer - 950,000
Jay Pandolfo - 836,000
Grant Marshall - 760,000
Zach Parise - 703,000
Cam Janssen - 450,000

Defensemen (4)

Brian Rafalski - 4,200,200
Dan McGillis - 2,200,000
Richard Matvichuk - 1,368,000
Brad Lukowich - 1,000,000

Goaltenders (1)

Martin Brodeur - 5,200,000

PLAYERS LIKELY TO BE RESIGNED (With estimated figures)

Scott Gomez - 4,000,000
Colin White - 3,000,000
Niklas Bergfors - 450,000
Brian Gionta - 4,000,000
Erik Rasmussen - 700,000
Paul Martin - 1,500,000
Scott Clemmensen - 600,000

Current Cap Figure: 29,225,200
Likely Cap Figure - 43,475,200

DEVILS HEADING TO FREE AGENCY (WITH EXPECTED COMPENSATIONS)

UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS

Patrik Elias (4,180,000)
Likely 2006-07 Compensation: $6,700,000
Odds of Devils Re-signing: 10-1

Elias signed a one-year contract as a RFA last year. Now unrestricted, Elias is going to cash in. Looking at similar players, it is likely going to take a three-year deal worth about $20 million to secure Elias. Jerome Iginla got a three-year deal worth $21 million last season and that was as a RFA. Even worse, the market for natural RW’s is always less than that of LW’s.

Elias has been extremely coy about his plans, which is to be expected considering his season ended less than a week ago. The good news is that there is no Brother Elias to convince Patrik to take less money to go elsewhere.

Jaime Langenbrunner (1,655,130)
Likely 2006-07 Compensation: $2,500,000
Odds of Devils Re-signing: 15-1

An interesting problem. Langenbrunner is the perfect addition for every team in the NHL. Jaime is coming off a near-career year with a team that spent half of their season in turmoil. That means a lot of teams will expect more from the gritty right-wing. This bidding could get fierce. Expect a multi-year deal worth between $2.3 million and $2.7 million. It may be Negative Nancy taking over here, but expect to see Niklas Bergfors and his $450,000 rookie minimum on the roster.

Viktor Kozlov (1,746,000)
Likely 2006-07 Compensation: $1,000,000
Odds of Devils Re-signing: 1,000-1

Kozlov was essentially useless to the Devils. There won’t be an offer tended to him from Lamoriello.

Erik Rasmussen (532,000)
Likely 2006-07 Compensation: $700,000
Odds of Devils Re-signing: 5-1

Erik can’t really expect much of a raise, so figure on $700,000. The Devils really don’t have much in the way of replacements, so they will likely re-sign the tough center.

RESTRICTED FREE AGENTS

Scott Gomez (2,200,000)
Likely 2006-07 Compensation: $4,000,000
Difficulty in resigning: Medium

Patrick Marleau, as similar a player in age and statistics as you can find, signed a three year contract worth $12.1 million in August as a RFA. Considering this, we can expect the Devils to tender a similar offer to their #1 center. Of course, Gomez could simply opt for arbitration and try and get the best one-year RFA deal he can before, like Colin White, striking it rich in 07-08 as a UFA. I suspect the $4 million number will remain the same, though.

Brain Gionta (627,000)
Likely 2006-07 Compensation: $4,000,000
Difficulty in resigning: Hard

Say hello to the largest salary increase this season. Brian Gionta is almost assuredly headed to arbitration. According to the new CBA, there is no haggling once you get there; the arbitrator will choose either the player’s request or the team’s offer. Expect the Devils to offer around $3 million with Gionta’s camp asking for $4.

However, the Devils might be able to thank Jonathan Cheechoo if the above numbers are too high. Cheechoo recently signed a 5-year contract extension worth $15 million. This extension will pay him $2.5 million the first two years, $3 million the third year, and $3.5 million the last two years. It is a peculiar deal considering that Cheechoo is only two years away from UFA status (Gionta is only one), but hopefully his numbers have set the bar for what a 48-goal scorer should make.

Colin White (1,710,000)
Likely 2006-07 Compensation: $3,000,000
Difficulty in resigning: Medium

The one RFA that is a lock to be resigned as losing White would leave the Devils without a single defenseman to rely on in their own end. In the new NHL, it is hard to gauge the worth of a defenseman of his caliber, but we’ll estimate it at 2 years/$6.5 or 3 years/$9, with the latter being the most likely as three-year deals seem to be the norm. Anything else and we will see arbitration and that is not what anybody wants in this situation because it will mean White will walk next year when he gains UFA status.

Paul Martin (502,000)
Likely 2006-07 Compensation: $1,500,000
Difficulty in resigning: Very little

This will not go to arbitration and will likely result in a two-year deal as Martin will gain UFA status in 08-09. Should be a fairly simple
negotiation.

Scott Clemmensen (450,000)
Likely 2006-07 Compensation: $600,000
Difficulty in resigning: None

The only thing that will keep Clemmensen from re-signing in New Jersey is if Lamoriello decided Frank Doyle or Ari Ahonen are ready and would rather pay them $450,000 (rookie minimum.) For the sake of keeping things tidy, let’s assume the Devils resign Scott for two years at $1.2 million.

This would leave the Devils with: :teach:

Parise-Gomez-Gionta
Brylin-Elias-Tallackson/Begfors
Pandolfo-Madden-Marshall
Wiemer-Rasmussen-Janssen

Spare: Mogilny, Tallackson (M)

Martin-White
Rafalski-Matvichuk
Lukowich-Hale

Spare: McGillis

Brodeur
Clemmensen

Article: http://devils.mostvaluablenetwork.com/wp-print.php?p=104

Great Posting!

The only thing I think you'll see different for next season is this will be our team come October:

Bergfors-Gomez-Gionta
Elias-Parise-Langs
Pandolfo-Madden-Brylin
Ryznar-Rasmussen-Janssen

Spare: Tallackson

Martin-White
Rafalski-Matvichuk
Redden-Hale

Spare: McGillis

Brodeur
Clemmensen

Everyone one else that was with the roster going into the playoffs would be traded or retired. IMO...Lou will not keep any of the dead wood & will find a way to trade or pay them off & say bye-bye.

Great posting, but we already have a thread on this. There is also a thread that was locked three below your new thread because, as ratsgirl wrote, "We already have a thread dedicated to salary and contract information.
http://hfboards.com/showthread.php?t=253815

Why do I believe if Gomez opts for arbitration he's gone one-way or another. Either Lou trades him or he'll walk in his UFA year.

Wow, great post, Americans! My only question - will Bergfors make only $450,000, or will he get more, since he was a first rounder? I don't know anything about rookie contracts, but Parise made $703,000 last year.

Why do I believe if Gomez opts for arbitration he's gone one-way or another. Either Lou trades him or he'll walk in his UFA year.
I think that's likely. Maybe, if he signs a one year deal and the cap goes up a lot next offseason as well we could have the space to sign him for more money...but that's really way to far ahead to speculate.

I think that's likely. Maybe, if he signs a one year deal and the cap goes up a lot next offseason as well we could have the space to sign him for more money...but that's really way to far ahead to speculate.


Even if it's a one year contract, I just rather see Gomez and Lou deal with this on their own. Once the arbitration get's involved, it's not a good sign.

My only question - will Bergfors make only $450,000, or will he get more, since he was a first rounder? I don't know anything about rookie contracts, but Parise made $703,000 last year.Parise's contract had a lot to do with enticing him out of college with two years remaining. I believe he got a signing bonus that was rendered prior to the lockout.

Bergfors will likely get more than 450,000, but I don't think it would be that much more. He was going to play for the Fog Devils in major juniors, you may recall.

I had some free time this morning, so I searched around for the contract lengths that were still missing. I found most of them and added them to the first post (can't guarantee their accuracy), so the only ones missing are Wiemer and Janssen. I thought I remembered hearing (back at the trade deadline) that Wiemer had one year left on his contract, does that sound right to anyone else? And I have no clue what Janssen's status is.

Edit: And if there's a way to format this post nicely in columns that I don't know about and someone could tell me how to do it, I'd greatly appreciate it. You use CODE tags. You must first put your data in a program like MS Word, Excel or even Notepad to put them it in columns or create columns with the tab key.

You use CODE tags. You must first put your data in a program like MS Word, Excel or even Notepad to put them it in columns or create columns with the tab key.


You can quote my post and cut and paste this into your initial post.
Thanks a bunch! That looks much neater :handclap:

As noted in the above chart we have 11 guys signed for next year. That means we need 12 more players (maybe 11, but I want to err on the side of caution).

All 23 salaries totalled $36,385,130

Here is what I think might get it done. Am I too low/high?

New salaries (in millions):

Clemmensen 0.5
White 2.5
Martin 1.0
Hale 0.6
Gomez 4.5 (1 year deal)
Gionta 2.0 (1 year deal)
Langs 2.5
Patty 6.5
Rasmussen 0.6

That would leave us at 40.625 Million and we would still need 2 or 3 players, because no Kozlov or Klee. I did not include Albelin because who knows his status, although I don't think we need to carry 8 defensemen all year.

Also we don't know what will happen with the M&M Boys (wrong version). If we have to eat the 2/3 after a buyout, we could still squeeze under the rumored $46 million cap even with adding a free agent, although I doubt Lou will do that. What this does show is that we can fit evetyone under a cap perhaps as low as $43-44 million. If we don't have to take a cap hit for the two clowns, we will be in pretty good shape cap-wise next year and after 2007 as well.

I think the sum total of your estimations are spot on, but I think some players should be altered.

For one year deals, I see Gomer getting $3.5-$4, while Gionta would get $2.5-$3.

I'm not sure White gets $2.5 either, unless the deal is long term. Same with Martin, I don't see him making $1 Million unless the deal is long term.

Here are my estimations (which I feel were generous in some cases):

http://img463.imageshack.us/img463/8889/untitled8bh1.png

Here are my estimations (which I feel were generous in some cases):

http://img463.imageshack.us/img463/8889/untitled8bh1.png

41 million and then add the Malakhov and Mogilny and we're screwed.

41 million and then add the Malakhov and Mogilny and we're screwed.

Yeah, we would be, but Malakhov is likely not to be counted, and who knows what'll happen with Mogilny. If he doesn't retire, we might be able to trade him.

Can't we buy both of their contracts out, at 2/3 the value over 2x the time, anyway? That would yield a $2.37M cap hit, I think.

Besides, I purposely made the contracts high to give a worst-case situation. I think the actual total for those listed will be lower.

Yeah, we would be, but Malakhov is likely not to be counted, and who knows what'll happen with Mogilny. If he doesn't retire, we might be able to trade him.

Can't we buy both of their contracts out, at 2/3 the value over 2x the time, anyway? That would yield a $2.37M cap hit, I think.

Besides, I purposely made the contracts high to give a worst-case situation. I think the actual total for those listed will be lower.

If we cannot trade Mogilny and he is not effective enough to make the team out of camp then he wil play in Lowell.

If we cannot trade Mogilny and he is not effective enough to make the team out of camp then he wil play in Lowell.But because he was 35 or older at the signing of his contract, he counts against the cap even if he plays in the minors or retires.

If some unlucky accident should befall Malakhov that forced him on the IR, would the Devils get the injury replacement room in the cap I wonder?

But because he was 35 or older at the signing of his contract, he counts against the cap even if he plays in the minors or retires.

But this is what I do not understand. He was in Albany this past season under the same Cap and CBA agreement as the one put into effect next season except for the possibvle increase in the Cap.

If he did not count this past season, over 35, in Albany, and not on the active Devils roster then why would it count against the Cap next year?

I am not disagreeing with you. I just do not understand why it is different for next season then it was for this one.

But because he was 35 or older at the signing of his contract, he counts against the cap even if he plays in the minors or retires.

If some unlucky accident should befall Malakhov that forced him on the IR, would the Devils get the injury replacement room in the cap I wonder?

Why would they? Malakhov is NOT an active roster player.

Because the clause in the CBA is if it is a multiyear contract over 35 the second, 3rd years ect. count against the cap no matter what. Since this season was his first season that didn't count. Next year will be the 2nd year of the contract and thus that clause would go into effect.

Why would they? Malakhov is NOT an active roster player.He may return for next season. He has not signed his retirement papers. The story is likely somehting like this. Malakhov was going to retire and told Lou Lamoriello, but Malakhov's agent got to Malakhov. The defenseman would be giving up $5.25 million, about 15% of which goes to the agent.

Because the clause in the CBA is if it is a multiyear contract over 35 the second, 3rd years ect. count against the cap no matter what. Since this season was his first season that didn't count. Next year will be the 2nd year of the contract and thus that clause would go into effect.But when a player is injured, his contract still counts against he cap. Patrik Elias contracted counted against the cap, but the Devils were allowed to replace his contract while he was out.

A player nobody has brought up is 33 year old Dan McGillis. His #'s were decent in Albany. He never adjusted after be given ample time at the NHL level to the new style and flow of the league. However, at $2.2 million (quite high for a 7th defenseman) I think we might see him on the roster next season.

I still think this signing could work out for the team and I think he took a lot of the heat for the Devils inconsistencies in the first half of the season. He was not great but he certainly was not terrible.

I agree. I would like to see McGillis get a shot at the 7th defense spot next year. Although, posters who saw a lot of Albany games say McGillis was not too great on the ice. I guess it will come down to his training camp.

A player nobody has brought up is 33 year old Dan McGillis. His #'s were decent in Albany. He never adjusted after be given ample time at the NHL level to the new style and flow of the league. However, at $2.2 million (quite high for a 7th defenseman) I think we might see him on the roster next season.


He never adjusted at the AHL level either. I wouldn't mind him as a 7th d-man, but he is simply too expensive for that role.

I agree. I would like to see McGillis get a shot at the 7th defense spot next year. Although, posters who saw a lot of Albany games say McGillis was not too great on the ice. I guess it will come down to his training camp.$2.2 million is too much cap room for a 7th defenseman to consume.

$2.2 million is too much cap room for a 7th defenseman to consume.

There is no "too much cap room" if the Devils can use him as a 7th and be under the Cap limit. Devils had a useless reserve forward/shootout specialist making $1.7 million.

He also is not automatically deemed the 7th d-man. I will admit there are 6 defenseman on the Devils roster right now better then McGillis but a lot can change between now and October.

There is no "too much cap room" if the Devils can use him as a 7th and be under the Cap limit. Devils had a useless reserve forward/shootout specialist making $1.7 million.And they didn't have Patrik Elias, Scott Gomez and Brian Gionta getting a raise.

The defenseman would be giving up $5.25 million, about 15% of which goes to the agent.

NHL agents receive 4% commission.

NHL agents receive 4% commission.Thanks. That's pretty small in the world of agents. I guess with a sports agent it is fair because there are so many athletes in a give sport that needs a contract.

OK guys, I broke down our WHOLE salary situation.

We have a total of 11 players signed for a total of $19,475,000. They include:
Martin Brodeur
Brian Raflaski
Richard Matvichuk
Brad Lukowich
John Madden
Sergei Brylin
Jay Pandolfo
Grant Marshall
Zach Parise
Jason Wiemer
Cam Janssen

We have 5 Restricted Free Agents. They include:
Colin White
Paul Martin
David Hale
Scott Gomez
Brian Gionta

We have 7 Unrestricted Free Agents:
Scott Clemmenson
Tommy Albelin
Ken Klee
Patrik Elias
Jaime Langenbrunner
Viktor Kozlov
Erik Rassmussen

Now, this is my solution to our own players.
-Sign UFA Scott Clemmenson to a 2 year, 900K deal (450K/year)
-Sign UFA Patrik Elias to a 4 year, 27.2M deal (6.8M/year)
-Sign RFA Scott Gomez to a 3 year, 13.5M deal (4.5/year)
-Sign RFA Brian Gionta to a 4 year, 12.8M deal (3.2M/year)
-Sign RFA Colin White to 5 year, 12M deal (2.4/year)
-Sign RFA Paul Martin to a 4 year, 4M deal (1M/year)
-Sign RFA David Hale to a 3 year, 2.55M deal (850K/year)

We then have 18 players signed for $38,675,000. For arguments sake, Vladimir Malakhov is in breach of his contract and his salary will NOT count against the cap. However, we DO buy out Alexander Mogilny for a cap hit of $1,160,000 per year for the next two years. That makes us have $39,835,000. Assuming a $43,000,000 cap, we would have $3,165,000 to sign 5 players. Not alot. So to clear up cap space, we do the following:

-Trade Jason Wiemer to CHI for Curtis Brown
-Trade Brad Lukowich for a mid pick
-Trade Grant Marshall for a late pick

We now have a cap hit of $38,455,000 for 16 players with $4,545,000 to spend. Much better. Wee need to sign several young, quick, cheap players. We have several prosepcets who will make the team Barry Tallackson (@ 510K) and Jason Ryznar (@ 500K) played significant time in the NHL It's time they make the big team . Niklas Bergfors had a strong season in Albany, and will make the team out of Training camp (@ 450K). That gives us 19 players for a total of $39,915,000 with $3,085,000 excess cap room. Lets check out the team so far:

Bergfors - Gomez - Gionta
Elias - Parise - Tallackson
Pandolfo - Madden - Brylin
Ryznar - Brown - Janssen

Rafalski - Matvichuk
White -
Martin - Hale

Brodeur
Clemmenson

We need one more defensive defenseman, and fourtunately there are several free agents that we could look at. Here is an incomplete list:

Wade Redden
Zdeno Chara
Jay McKee
Niclas Havelid
Frantisek Kaberle
Pavel Kubina
Danny Markov
Brendan Witt
Filip Kuba
Ruslan Salei
Willie Mitchell

We have $3,085,000 to work with.That means now Wade Redden or Zdeno Chara. I would go for Jay McKee, but the staph infection in his leg has not been fully evaluated (or not released), and he will be possible liability to the team he plays for. He is also a loyal assisstant captain, so he is virtually untouchable. We want the best player avaliable. so we will offer $3,000,000 to any of the possible contenders, and still be $85,000 under the cap. I say we go after Filip Kuba. He is defensiveley responsible, and can chip in offensively. While he isn't outstanding in any particular area, he is comming from Minnesota, he won't have to adjust to our system. If he doesn't fit in (like Dan McGillis), we have Andy Greene avaliable (@ 850K).

So here are your 2006-2007 New Jersey Devils:

Niklas Bergfors (450,000) - Scott Gomez (4,500,000) - Brian Gionta (3,200,000)
Patrick Elias (6,800,000) - Zach Parise (703,000) - Barry Tallackson (510,000)
Jay Pandolfo (836,000) - John Madden (2,938,000) - Sergei Brylin (1,520,000)
Jason Ryznar (500,000) - Curtis Brown (1,330,000) - Cam Janssen (450,000)

Brian Rafalski (4,200,000) - Richard Matvichuk (1,368,000)
Colin White (2,400,000) - Filip Kuba (3,000,000)
Paul Martin (1,000,000) - David Hale (850,000)

Martin Brodeur (5,200,000)
Scott Clemmenson (500,000)

$43,415,000. My math was off a little. But I was going off the minimum projected cap, with the maximum projected cap being $45,000,000

Thoughts?

OK guys, I broke down our WHOLE salary situation.

We have a total of 11 players signed for a total of $19,475,000. They include:
Martin Brodeur
Brian Raflaski
Richard Matvichuk
Brad Lukowich
John Madden
Sergei Brylin
Jay Pandolfo
Grant Marshall
Zach Parise
Jason Wiemer
Cam Janssen

We have 5 Restricted Free Agents. They include:
Colin White
Paul Martin
David Hale
Scott Gomez
Brian Gionta

We have 7 Unrestricted Free Agents:
Scott Clemmenson
Tommy Albelin
Ken Klee
Patrik Elias
Jaime Langenbrunner
Viktor Kozlov
Erik Rassmussen

Now, this is my solution to our own players.
-Sign UFA Scott Clemmenson to a 2 year, 900K deal (450K/year)
-Sign UFA Patrik Elias to a 4 year, 27.2M deal (6.8M/year)
-Sign RFA Scott Gomez to a 3 year, 13.5M deal (4.5/year)
-Sign RFA Brian Gionta to a 4 year, 12.8M deal (3.2M/year)
-Sign RFA Colin White to 5 year, 12M deal (2.4/year)
-Sign RFA Paul Martin to a 4 year, 4M deal (1M/year)
-Sign RFA David Hale to a 3 year, 2.55M deal (850K/year)

We then have 18 players signed for $38,675,000. For arguments sake, Vladimir Malakhov is in breach of his contract and his salary will NOT count against the cap. However, we DO buy out Alexander Mogilny for a cap hit of $1,160,000 per year for the next two years. That makes us have $39,835,000. Assuming a $43,000,000 cap, we would have $3,165,000 to sign 5 players. Not alot. So to clear up cap space, we do the following:

-Trade Jason Wiemer to CHI for Curtis Brown
-Trade Brad Lukowich for a mid pick
-Trade Grant Marshall for a late pick

We now have a cap hit of $38,455,000 for 16 players with $4,545,000 to spend. Much better. Wee need to sign several young, quick, cheap players. We have several prosepcets who will make the team Barry Tallackson (@ 510K) and Jason Ryznar (@ 500K) played significant time in the NHL It's time they make the big team . Niklas Bergfors had a strong season in Albany, and will make the team out of Training camp (@ 450K). That gives us 19 players for a total of $39,915,000 with $3,085,000 excess cap room. Lets check out the team so far:

Bergfors - Gomez - Gionta
Elias - Parise - Tallackson
Pandolfo - Madden - Brylin
Ryznar - Brown - Janssen

Rafalski - Matvichuk
White -
Martin - Hale

Brodeur
Clemmenson

We need one more defensive defenseman, and fourtunately there are several free agents that we could look at. Here is an incomplete list:

Wade Redden
Zdeno Chara
Jay McKee
Niclas Havelid
Frantisek Kaberle
Pavel Kubina
Danny Markov
Brendan Witt
Filip Kuba
Ruslan Salei
Willie Mitchell

We have $3,085,000 to work with.That means now Wade Redden or Zdeno Chara. I would go for Jay McKee, but the staph infection in his leg has not been fully evaluated (or not released), and he will be possible liability to the team he plays for. He is also a loyal assisstant captain, so he is virtually untouchable. We want the best player avaliable. so we will offer $3,000,000 to any of the possible contenders, and still be $85,000 under the cap. I say we go after Filip Kuba. He is defensiveley responsible, and can chip in offensively. While he isn't outstanding in any particular area, he is comming from Minnesota, he won't have to adjust to our system. If he doesn't fit in (like Dan McGillis), we have Andy Greene avaliable (@ 850K).

So here are your 2006-2007 New Jersey Devils:

Niklas Bergfors (450,000) - Scott Gomez (4,500,000) - Brian Gionta (3,200,000)
Patrick Elias (6,800,000) - Zach Parise (703,000) - Barry Tallackson (510,000)
Jay Pandolfo (836,000) - John Madden (2,938,000) - Sergei Brylin (1,520,000)
Jason Ryznar (500,000) - Curtis Brown (1,330,000) - Cam Janssen (450,000)

Brian Rafalski (4,200,000) - Richard Matvichuk (1,368,000)
Colin White (2,400,000) - Filip Kuba (3,000,000)
Paul Martin (1,000,000) - David Hale (850,000)

Martin Brodeur (5,200,000)
Scott Clemmenson (500,000)

$43,415,000. My math was off a little. But I was going off the minimum projected cap, with the maximum projected cap being $45,000,000

Thoughts?
Not bad, though I think your numbers for some of the contracts we need signed (Elias, Gomez, possibly White or Martin) are a bit on the low side, though I hope not.

I would also switch Bergfors and Tallackson, since Tallackson is a LW and Bergfors is a right wing.

Tallackson is actually a RW, and Bergfors played some of both this year I think. Barry could probably shift to left though.

Tallackson is actually a RW, and Bergfors played some of both this year I think. Barry could probably shift to left though.
Really? I've always seen Tallackson listed as a LW, and Bergfors as RW. But I don't follow Albany very closely at all, so if you say so I believe ya.

No way Gomez signs for $4 Mill. a year - I wish he would - but he's gonna want $5 - 5.5 Mill a year, and frankly he deserves that, maybe even more after next year.
I think you're right.... although it seems a bit much to be honest.

I think you're right.... although it seems a bit much to be honest.I agree with you. The only way Gomez deserves $5 million or more is if he puts up 100 Points next year.

I don't think we can use only Brad Richards' contract to rate what Gomez is worth. We must take five or six comparable centermen.

Gomer's value would certainly be affected by what Elias decides to do. If Patrik leaves, Scott will certainly be a more valuable commodity than if Patrik stays.

i know this is a OT but i don't think it deserves a thread.
TRADE PROPOSAL (to free up cap space)
To Montreal- Mogilny and a 3rd or 4th rounder
To New Jersey- Bonk (2.3 million, final year in contract)

i know this is a OT but i don't think it deserves a thread.
TRADE PROPOSAL (to free up cap space)
To Montreal- Mogilny and a 3rd or 4th rounder
To New Jersey- Bonk (2.3 million, final year in contract)Mogilny out scored Bonk in 27 fewer games played. Was Bonk used primarily in a defensive-first role this year in Montreal? The idea certainly intrigues me. With Patrik Elias looking for a big raise, it will be difficult to have Mogilny's contract, even if it's the buyout amount split over two seasons.

It's not such a crazy proposal.

Do you guys expect to see Lagenbrunner brought back next year?

Do you guys expect to see Lagenbrunner brought back next year?
I think it depends on how much Langenbrunner is looking for and how much cap room we have after signing Elias, Gionta, and Gomez. From what I've heard he's enjoyed playing in NJ and Lou really likes him, but it all comes down to $$$.

Do you guys expect to see Lagenbrunner brought back next year?I would say no, unless Patrik Elias signs elsewhere. If Patty is resigned, I don't think the Devils will have the money to give Langenbrunner more than $1.5 million. Scott Gomez and Brian Gionta are RFA this year, and UFA's next year (Gionta migth not be - so someone correct me if I'm wrong please.) Lou Lamoriello will likely have to pay the three of them $12 million to $15.

There could be about $2 million to sign him to three contract. He's certainly a good hockey player who can score 20 goals and will play excellent defensively.

Cool, thanks guys. Alot of us are hoping that Gainey makes a play for him in the offseason. IMO he would fit in perfect with our team and him being a right handed two way player is exactly what we're looking for.

Cool, thanks guys. Alot of us are hoping that Gainey makes a play for him in the offseason. IMO he would fit in perfect with our team and him being a right handed two way player is exactly what we're looking for.

Plus he wouldn't score on you with under 5 minutes left in the last game of the season :)

The NHL Buyout period starts tomorrow (in one hour more or less). It will run from June 15 until the 30th. We will soon know if Alexander Mogilny will be at camp and a salary cap burden or out of the Devils hands for 2/3 of his contract.

The NHL Buyout period starts tomorrow (in one hour more or less). It will run from June 15 until the 30th. We will soon know if Alexander Mogilny will be at camp and a salary cap burden or out of the Devils hands for 2/3 of his contract.I wonder about Vladimir Malakhov as well.

However, if Malakhov initially said he was going to retire because of an injury. It could be that the Devils could get cap relief from Malakhov's contract. The same could be true of Alexender Mogilny. If his hip is shot, his $3.5 million counts against the cap, but other players' salaries can take up that space.

If that is not the case, there is always the possibility that both will show up at camp. I can here Lou Lamoriello speaking to Claude Julien now. "Coach Julien, have Mogilny and Malakhov report for checking drills with Cam Janssen first thing."

I wonder about Vladimir Malakhov as well.

However, if Malakhov initially said he was going to retire because of an injury. It could be that the Devils could get cap relief from Malakhov's contract. The same could be true of Alexender Mogilny. If his hip is shot, his $3.5 million counts against the cap, but other players' salaries can take up that space.

If that is not the case, there is always the possibility that both will show up at camp. I can here Lou Lamoriello speaking to Claude Julien now. "Coach Julien, have Mogilny and Malakhov report for checking drills with Cam Janssen first thing."

This is a pretty neat idea that I hadn't thought of. If Malakhov/Mogilny both go on the IR, are you sure we could replace their salaries? If so, this could be a very viable solution, as both parties win. Malakhov/Mogilny collect their paychecks and don't have to play, while the Devils don't get a cap hit.

This is a pretty neat idea that I hadn't thought of. If Malakhov/Mogilny both go on the IR, are you sure we could replace their salaries? If so, this could be a very viable solution, as both parties win. Malakhov/Mogilny collect their paychecks and don't have to play, while the Devils don't get a cap hit.They would have to be legitimately injured. They couldn’t just say, “Oh, my spleen” while grabbing the wrong spot.

However, if they really are injured, the Devils could replace the salary.

The NHLPA's website has the 2006-07 salaries listed on their team pages. Here is a link to the Devils page (http://www.nhlpa.com/WebStats/PlayerSearchV2.asp?OIDTeam=9486), and here is the search page (http://www.nhlpa.com/thePlayers/index.asp).

UPDATED with 3M's

Brodeur 5.2
Rafalski 4.2
Malakhov 3.6
Mogilny 3.5
Madden 2.89
Langenbrunner 2.8
McGillis 2.2
Brylin 1.52
Matvichuk 1.368
Lukowich 1
Wiemer .950
Pandolfo .836
Marshall .760
Parise .703
Janssen .450
-------------------
31,977,000

in 15 players that leaves us with 14 million to spend on 8 players.

What about the contracts of Langdon, Ferrence, and Oliwa?

What about the contracts of Langdon, Ferrence, and Oliwa?
Langdon is a UFA. Ference is in the minors. Isn't Oliwa a UFA now? All I know is none of them count against the cap.

Whew, thank god. Could you imagine if Langdon's midget contract prevented us from signing Gomez or Gionta?

You guys are BASICALLY right around 40M right now tied into 15 or 16 players (I forgot how many) with RFAs in:

Gomez
Gionta
White
Martin
Hale

And you need a back-up goaltender (is Clemmenson expected to re-sign?).

What are the predictions for salaries now based off of the signings today?

White could get 3M based off what defenseman got today.

Martin I'd guess around 1.5M or so?

Hale around 1M?

Gomez 4.5-5M?

Gionta 3.5-4M?

This is all trying to base the salaries off of what players signed today.

Right on all except Gionta who will take a shorter contract around 2.5. Wiemer, Brilyn, Luko and maybe even Rafalski will be traded/waived. Almo will be put on long term IR. It will be a stretch but it is certantly possible to fit everyone under.

I don't think you can possibly get the ALMO contract off the books at all. So I think he has to be factored in.

Thing is, isn't Gionta a UFA next year? I thought someone posted that he was. I think it's in the Devils' best interests to get either him or Gomez locked up long term -- and that will definatley command a decent hunk of change.

I also personally think it'd be a HUGE mistake to get rid of Rafalski. The defense woiuld be awful without him, IMO.

I don't think you can possibly get the ALMO contract off the books at all. So I think he has to be factored in.

It is my understanding that we can pay a replacement his salary if he goes on the longterm IR.

Thing is, isn't Gionta a UFA next year? I thought someone posted that he was. I think it's in the Devils' best interests to get either him or Gomez locked up long term -- and that will definatley command a decent hunk of change.

True. I just think that Gionta will be be another Loyal Devil and understand that if he signs a cheap deal and continues to produce, he will get a great deal ala Elias. I wouldnt trust Gomez to do the same.

I also personally think it'd be a HUGE mistake to get rid of Rafalski. The defense woiuld be awful without him, IMO.

Agreed. But Rafi also happens to
1) be a UFA next year
and
2) have an awesome contract compared to the recent UFA signings.

Lou could probably get great value for him. If worst comes to worst, I wouldnt count it out.

Jon Prescription, White is not getting $3M. He'll hit around $2-$2.2. He's a RFA. You can't compare him to other UFA.

Martin and Hale will get their 10% raise and that's it, I'm assuming.

Gio and Gomez I'm estimating $3M and $4M for 1-yr deals.

My take, so far:

http://www.elwynor.com/~rick/devils2007.gif

We have plenty of room under the cap.

My take, so far:

http://www.elwynor.com/~rick/devils2007.gif

We have plenty of room under the cap.

Still trying to get Mogilny's contract off the cap? Claiming IR is cute, but I doubt it will work.

Still trying to get Mogilny's contract off the cap? Claiming IR is cute, but I doubt it will work.

Why? If his injury is still legit, then there is nothing the NHL can do to prevent us from paying a replacement player his salary.

Still trying to get Mogilny's contract off the cap? Claiming IR is cute, but I doubt it will work.He has had hip problems, so it's not out of the realm of possibilities for Mogilny to be on the IR.

After Patrik Elias returned from hepatitis A, Mogilny stayed on the active roster for about a week. He was listed as a healthy scratch for about three games. After the season ended, Mogilny complained about being listed as a healthy scratch in those games.

Can someone please tell me how much Madden counts against the cap. He signed a five year 20M contract at the end of 2003. He played 04, 05 was the lockout so he had three years remaining. Taking the 24% rollback, and the two front loaded years off his contract, he must be < 3M on the cap.

Anybody have any clue?

I dunno. TSN, actually, did have him listed at $2.93M for a while.

Madden's cap number is $2,926,000.
He signed a 5 year $20 million deal. The contract was front loaded and his $4.6 million salary for 04-05 was subtracted when contracts were adjusted, so it was $15.4 million over 4 years. With the 24% rollback, Madden is making $11.704 million over 4 years which averages to $2,926,000.

Still trying to get Mogilny's contract off the cap? Claiming IR is cute, but I doubt it will work.

Why? It's completely true. He didn't finish in AHL because of it, and I seriously doubt his arthritic hip will carry him through any more NHL games. It's totally legit IMO. I'd love to have him, if healthy, but sadly, he isn't.

Madden's cap number is $2,926,000.
He signed a 5 year $20 million deal. The contract was front loaded and his $4.6 million salary for 04-05 was subtracted when contracts were adjusted, so it was $15.4 million over 4 years. With the 24% rollback, Madden is making $11.704 million over 4 years which averages to $2,926,000.
Nice, that saves another 1M. Hopefully nobody will say he's overpriced now.

Nice, that saves another 1M. Hopefully nobody will say he's overpriced now.

he's still a bit on the high side frankly. if it comes down to keeping gomez or getting rid of madden, well, i think you have to teach someone else to be a defensive center.

he's still a bit on the high side frankly. if it comes down to keeping gomez or getting rid of madden, well, i think you have to teach someone else to be a defensive center.
I have to disagree here, Madden's one of the best in the business when it comes to defensive centers. See what Peca signs for when you look at his value.

he's still a bit on the high side frankly. if it comes down to keeping gomez or getting rid of madden, well, i think you have to teach someone else to be a defensive center.You just don't teach someone to be a defensive center the way Madden plays it. He is former Selke winner who was also a finalist two additional times. He has a gift for it. He's a smart hockey player, a great leader and very important part of the Devils.

If it was as simple as teaching someone how to play like Madden, don't you think the team would have taught someone to do it for the fourth line so the Devils could shutdown any two-line team in the league.

First post is updated!

I put in Elias & Langenbrunner's contracts, I haven't totaled it all up again but I'll do that sometime later on tonight.

Why? If his injury is still legit, then there is nothing the NHL can do to prevent us from paying a replacement player his salary.

How about you cant use replacement salary for an injured player that isnt even on your active roster?

How about you cant use replacement salary for an injured player that isnt even on your active roster?
Why isn't he on our active roster? You seem smart, how about answering that?

Why isn't he on our active roster? You seem smart, how about answering that?

Because he was sent down to the AHL, where he was injured, and was never recalled. Look at THN's movements and injury report for him. Last transaction was him being sent down to the River Rats in January

http://www.forecaster.ca/hockeynews/hockey/_i6faovf8s32t/player.cgi?0710

They would have to be legitimately injured. They couldn’t just say, “Oh, my spleen” while grabbing the wrong spot.

However, if they really are injured, the Devils could replace the salary.

That sneaky Luigi.... He's the man. Forgot all about IR salary replacement.

How about you cant use replacement salary for an injured player that isnt even on your active roster?

Any reason why we couldn't put him on the active roster and then put him on IR? Better question is why would he have to be on the active roster in order to put him on the IR?

I honestly don't know man.

Because he was sent down to the AHL, where he was injured, and was never recalled. Look at THN's movements and injury report for him. Last transaction was him being sent down to the River Rats in January

http://www.forecaster.ca/hockeynews/hockey/_i6faovf8s32t/player.cgi?0710
Yeah you're right, players are never moved from the AHL to the NHL in the offseason...certainly not at training camp.:shakehead

MojoJojo doesn't know what he's talking about, I don't know why you guys even bother.

Fact is, he is an active player. Fact is, he will be expected to report to camp. If he's too hurt to play, he goes on IR.

Frankly, since he's being paid, I'd like to bring him back up at camp and see if he can play. He could allow us to move Parise to 2L-C and he could play 1 or 2L Wing.

If he can, we're set! He'd be a piece we'd need. If he can not, however, there is nothing unethical or inappropriate by putting him on long term IR and replacing his salary.

Malakhov is another story. He's sort of in breach of contract. Nobody really knows what the deal is there.

That sneaky Luigi.... He's the man. Forgot all about IR salary replacement.
Who wants to grab a bat and stop at Mogilny's place tonight at midnight? I'll take one for the team.

MojoJojo doesn't know what he's talking about, I don't know why you guys even bother.

Fact is, he is an active player. Fact is, he will be expected to report to camp. If he's too hurt to play, he goes on IR.

Frankly, since he's being paid, I'd like to bring him back up at camp and see if he can play. He could allow us to move Parise to 2L-C and he could play 1 or 2L Wing.

If he can, we're set! He'd be a piece we'd need. If he can not, however, there is nothing unethical or inappropriate by putting him on long term IR and replacing his salary.

Malakhov is another story. He's sort of in breach of contract. Nobody really knows what the deal is there.
This is all speculation on my part, but I'll throw it out there. If Mogilny refuses to come to camp, wouldn't that put him breach of contract like Malakhov, then Lou can fight the league to save cap money?

This is all speculation on my part, but I'll throw it out there. If Mogilny refuses to come to camp, wouldn't that put him breach of contract like Malakhov, then Lou can fight the league to save cap money?

Yeah. It'd be breach of contract, no doubt.

But the problem is that nobody knows for sure what a breach of contract means in cap terms. It doesn't really fit into any category I've seen.

I mean, it makes ZERO sense for a rule to be written such that a player can just jet off to the wilds and nobody hear from him but the team has to take a cap hit.. that's a willful action on the player's part.

MojoJojo doesn't know what he's talking about, I don't know why you guys even bother.

Fact is, he is an active player. Fact is, he will be expected to report to camp. If he's too hurt to play, he goes on IR.

Frankly, since he's being paid, I'd like to bring him back up at camp and see if he can play. He could allow us to move Parise to 2L-C and he could play 1 or 2L Wing.

If he can, we're set! He'd be a piece we'd need. If he can not, however, there is nothing unethical or inappropriate by putting him on long term IR and replacing his salary.

Malakhov is another story. He's sort of in breach of contract. Nobody really knows what the deal is there.
I know it's a fight he can't win, I'm just humoring him until he realizes it and feels silly.

My updated spreadsheet showing the 2006-7 roster.

I basically included estimates for the 5 spots that are open, and showed the qualifying salary # for the 5 RFAs.

How'd I do?

http://www.elwynor.com/~rick/devils2007.gif

Yeah. It'd be breach of contract, no doubt.

But the problem is that nobody knows for sure what a breach of contract means in cap terms. It doesn't really fit into any category I've seen.

I mean, it makes ZERO sense for a rule to be written such that a player can just jet off to the wilds and nobody hear from him but the team has to take a cap hit.. that's a willful action on the player's part.

Well put. The other day I used the analogy if someone signed at 35 and he was to die, would that player's team still receive a cap hit? Mine was little harsh. I like yours better. And does anyone have an answer?

How about you cant use replacement salary for an injured player that isnt even on your active roster?Elias wasn't on the active roster. He was on IR to start 2005-06.

And if need be, how about Lou Lamoriello puts Mogilny where ever he needs to be placed if he is injured to allow New Jersey to replace the salary.

Elias wasn't on the active roster. He was on IR to start 2005-06.

And if need be, how about Lou Lamoriello puts Mogilny where ever he needs to be placed if he is injured to allow New Jersey to replace the salary.

Elias did not have to clear waivers to be put on the active list....like Mogilny would. So the two situations are completely different. Also have any of you read the CBA?

Here is the part that refers to Mogilny and Malakhov's situation.


50.5 (d) (B) (5)
All Player Salary and Bonuses earned in a League Year by a Player who is in the second or later year of a multi-year SPC which was signed when the player was age 35 or older (as of June 30 prior ro the League Year in which the SPC is to be effective), but which Player is not on the Club's Active Roster, Injured Reserve, Injured Non Roster or Non Roster, and regardless of whether, or where the player is playing, except to the extent the Player is playing under his SPC in the minor leagues, in which case only the Player Salary and Bonuses in excess of $100,000 shall count towards the calculation of Averaged Club Salary;

The bold part indicates that even if Mogilny or Malakhov did not play next year (even because he may have died) that his money would still count.

My updated spreadsheet showing the 2006-7 roster.

I basically included estimates for the 5 spots that are open, and showed the qualifying salary # for the 5 RFAs.

How'd I do?

http://www.elwynor.com/~rick/devils2007.gif

I don't understand why you keep on taking Mogilny's contract off and saying he is on the IR. He's over 35. His salary counts if he's on the IR, retired, non roster, or in an IROC.

It doesn't matter.

I don't understand why you keep on taking Mogilny's contract off and saying he is on the IR. He's over 35. His salary counts if he's on the IR, retired, non roster, or in an IROC.

It doesn't matter.
Elias's salary was on the cap too last year when he was on the IR, however we were able to replace that salary while he was on it. I don't see the problem.

Edit: I'd also like to welcome back Spongebob, I was wondering when you'd be back, almost a yearly ritual.

Elias did not have to clear waivers to be put on the active list....like Mogilny would. So the two situations are completely different. Also have any of you read the CBA?


Why would Mogilny have to clear waivers? He doesn't go into camp on the AHL roster. He needs to be assigned there first.

Why would Mogilny have to clear waivers? He doesn't go into camp on the AHL roster. He needs to be assigned there first.
I think I read that they got rid of re-entry waivers during the season.

Edit: I can't find verification but I could have swore I saw something like this...not that it applies to Mogilny.

Why would Mogilny have to clear waivers? He doesn't go into camp on the AHL roster. He needs to be assigned there first.

I don't think Mogilny would need to clear waivers either...then again, if someone picked him up and absorbed 1/2 the cap hit, would that really be a bad thing? :dunno:

Why would Mogilny have to clear waivers? He doesn't go into camp on the AHL roster. He needs to be assigned there first.

Sorry, I think you are correct. But as of right now Mogilny is not part of the Devils "active" roster. Elias was part of the Devil's "Active" roster at the beginning of last season. Because to be eligible for the "injured reserve" list he must be on the "active" roster. But anyway the CBA is pretty clear that both Malakhov and Mogilny will count towards the cap unless traded or bought out. Maybe Lou will send a draft pick or 2 to another GM to get them to take on these contracts.:dunno:

Here is the part that refers to Mogilny and Malakhov's situation.




The bold part indicates that even if Mogilny or Malakhov did not play next year (even because he may have died) that his money would still count.

So Mogilny and Malakhov's contracts WILL count next season?!?!? :confused:

Holy crap, I can't believe nobody's started a thread on this yet...:sarcasm:

So Mogilny and Malakhov's contracts WILL count next season?!?!? :confused:

Holy crap, I can't believe nobody's started a thread on this yet...:sarcasm:

Well after reading through this thread it is obvious that people do not think it is a reality.

Well after reading through this thread it is obvious that people do not think it is a reality.
If he is on the IR, why can't we replace his salary? Nobody is disputing the fact that his salary counts, we just think it can be replaced.

Maybe Lou will send a draft pick or 2 to another GM to get them to take on these contracts.

Hopefully. If they fail to show up to camp (pretty much assuring they will retire), Lou could probably package one of them w/ a pick and send them to a team that needs to hit the cap floor. That team wouldn't be paying Mogilny/Malakhov then, but it would count against their cap.

I think Lou will do that with one of the guys.

O, and we can't buy them out to prevent the cap hit. The NHL claimed that the Malakhov Clause trumped the buy-out clause.

If he is on the IR, why can't we replace his salary? Nobody is disputing the fact that his salary counts, we just think it can be replaced.

Well I am sure you could...but I would bet the league would want to confirm the extent of his injury and make sure it was severe enough to prevent him from playing. Hence the term "Bonifide". Also once he was cleared to play you would have to put him back on the roster and pay his salary/cap hit anyway.

Well after reading through this thread it is obvious that people do not think it is a reality.

No, more like we trust that Lou will make the necessary moves to address the situation and the team will still be in good shape. We didn't freak out last year when the Devils were over the cap and things turned out just fine (in fact, better than expected with the division title). We're not turning a blind eye to the situation or putting our head in the sand - we know this will be addressed and that we've got the best in the business taking care of it.

Still, it is not out of the question that the Devils can get out of some of the cap hit - be it by Mogilny going on IR, getting picked up off waivers, trading a pick + Malakhov's rights...all possibilities. Lou probably has something else up his sleeve - but he wouldn't have siged Elias AND Langenbrunner if he didn't have a plan to get the Devils under the cap come October.

O, and we can't buy them out to prevent the cap hit. The NHL claimed that the Malakhov Clause trumped the buy-out clause.
Ouch, well that sucks. Then the trade option is the best.

Time to make some adjustments.
Devils general manager Lou Lamoriello wouldn't discuss the terms of the contract, but the deal calls for Elias to earn $7.5 million in each of his first two seasons, $6 million in the third and four years and $5 million in each of the final three seasons.

Well I am sure you could...but I would bet the league would want to confirm the extent of his injury and make sure it was severe enough to prevent him from playing. Hence the term "Bonifide". Also once he was cleared to play you would have to put him back on the roster and pay his salary/cap hit anyway.

Couldn't Mogilny just claim his hip hurt too much to play? He sat out most of the time down in Albany b/c of his hip.

Time to make some adjustments.

The cap hit is still $6M every year.

Really? How so?

Really? How so?

42/7 = 6 :)

It's the average of the contract.

No, more like we trust that Lou will make the necessary moves to address the situation and the team will still be in good shape. We didn't freak out last year when the Devils were over the cap and things turned out just fine (in fact, better than expected with the division title). We're not turning a blind eye to the situation or putting our head in the sand - we know this will be addressed and that we've got the best in the business taking care of it.

Still, it is not out of the question that the Devils can get out of some of the cap hit - be it by Mogilny going on IR, getting picked up off waivers, trading a pick + Malakhov's rights...all possibilities. Lou probably has something else up his sleeve - but he wouldn't have siged Elias AND Langenbrunner if he didn't have a plan to get the Devils under the cap come October.


I am sure that Lou will do something about it. But I was responding more towards the posters who were acting like it was not a valid situation. Which of course it is. Lou will resolve the situation but it might take a favor or two from some friendly GM's.

Couldn't Mogilny just claim his hip hurt too much to play? He sat out most of the time down in Albany b/c of his hip.
No...because then he would be retiring. Which would make the cap hit once again affective. To have a Bonefide longterm injury a player must be delared unfit to play by a doctor....I am also sure the league can have the same player evaluated by a doctor of their choosing to ensure the team is not trying to "circumvent" the cap.

Well I am sure you could...but I would bet the league would want to confirm the extent of his injury and make sure it was severe enough to prevent him from playing. Hence the term "Bonifide". Also once he was cleared to play you would have to put him back on the roster and pay his salary/cap hit anyway.
He couldn't play in Albany last year due to his hip problems so I figure he can't play this year. If he can play, that's not too bad either, fills another spot.

After Lou's month of braindead moves he's been nothing but gold since. I wouldn't put it past him to get through this.

No...because then he would be retiring. Which would make the cap hit once again affective. To have a Bonefide longterm injury a player must be delared unfit to play by a doctor....I am also sure the league can have the same player evaluated by a doctor of their choosing to ensure the team is not trying to "circumvent" the cap.

He would be? He's had several surgeries on the hip recently, if he simply claims it flared up and is too painful to play on, I don't see how that would be retirement. He could have the intention of playing again once it heals up.

Wouldn't he need to announce retirement, too?

42/7 = 6 :)

It's the average of the contract.
Ah, I see. Whew!

When Bure was injured and couldn't play anymore did he announce retirement right away or was he injured and collecting a check from the Rangers? I don't know I'm asking.

I'm pretty sure the NHLPA would side with Mogilny being put on the IR, it's another 3.5M for a player.

No...because then he would be retiring. Which would make the cap hit once again affective. To have a Bonefide longterm injury a player must be delared unfit to play by a doctor....I am also sure the league can have the same player evaluated by a doctor of their choosing to ensure the team is not trying to "circumvent" the cap.

If I'm not mistaken, wouldn't it be in Mogilny's best interest to go on IR rather than retire if his hip is causing problems? If he's on IR, he's still getting paid...whereas if he retires, he leaves the money on the table, right?

You're right though, I'm sure the league would investigate to make sure the injury is legit. But Mogilny has a history of hip problems/surgeries, so it's certainly not out of the realm that it could prevent him from playing again.

If I'm not mistaken, wouldn't it be in Mogilny's best interest to go on IR rather than retire if his hip is causing problems? If he's on IR, he's still getting paid...whereas if he retires, he leaves the money on the table, right?

You're right though, I'm sure the league would investigate to make sure the injury is legit. But Mogilny has a history of hip problems/surgeries, so it's certainly not out of the realm that it could prevent him from playing again.


Basically if a doctor said that Mogilny's hip was so bad he couldn't play again then the league would count his contract against the cap. If a doctor said it wasn't that severe....then the contract will count against the cap. Trading his contract still seems to be the best alternative.

Elias did not have to clear waivers to be put on the active list....like Mogilny would. So the two situations are completely different. Also have any of you read the CBA?

Here is the part that refers to Mogilny and Malakhov's situation.




The bold part indicates that even if Mogilny or Malakhov did not play next year (even because he may have died) that his money would still count.What is the off-season waiver process? I don't think a player has to clear waivers prior to the start of the season. They used to be called "regular season waivers." The Devils could have added Mogilny to the playoff roster. However, he was injured, and they probably wouldn't have wanted his presence in the locker room anyway.

If player is on IR, there money counts, but the salary of a replacement player or the salaries of replacement players can be added.

What is the off-season waiver process? I don't think a player has to clear waivers prior to the start of the season. They used to be called "regular season waivers." The Devils could have added Mogilny to the playoff roster. However, he was injured, and they probably wouldn't have wanted his presence in the locker room anyway.
I am thinking that Nittle16 is correct and he doesn't have to clear waivers.

It's good to be back talking Salary Cap with you guys....I kind of missed it.;)

If player is on IR, there money counts, but the salary of a replacement player or the salaries of replacement players can be added.
Correct....but I cannot see the league allowing Mogilny to be on the IR all season just to allow Lou some cap relief.

Correct....but I cannot see the league allowing Mogilny to be on the IR all season just to allow Lou some cap relief.
If he can't play, he can't play. The league can't play favorites or make decisions that go against the CBA. They already interpreted that we can't buy him out, if you can't put players over 35 on the IR the owners would be beside themselves.

I love the idea of putting Mogilny on IR and then "replacing" his salary to save cap space. As previously noted, since Mogilny would collect a paycheck if put on IR, it's a win-win situation for both him and the Devils. He gets his 3.5 mil, Lou gets to "replace" the 3.5 mil with a lets say Gomez 1 year deal worth 3.5 mil. Hopefully this strategy is legal.

Correct....but I cannot see the league allowing Mogilny to be on the IR all season just to allow Lou some cap relief.We'll just bring the Kings doctors in to examine Mogilny. They are always declaring players unable to play.

I'm sorry. That was terrible.

We'll just bring the Kings doctors in to examine Mogilny. They are always declaring players unable to play.

I'm sorry. That was terrible.


:biglaugh:

That was Solid Gold.

If he can't play, he can't play. The league can't play favorites or make decisions that go against the CBA. They already interpreted that we can't buy him out, if you can't put players over 35 on the IR the owners would be beside themselves.

If he can't play because he has a career ending injury it is much different then having an injury that would keep him off the ice for 2 months. The league is not going to let the Devils put Mogilny on the IR for an entire season just to circumvent the cap.

From the CBA:

The Commissioner may take whatever steps he deems necessary to investigate the circumstances under which a player is: (i) placed, or remains, on the Injured Reserve List, or (ii) designated Injured Non-Roster. If the Commissioner has reason to believe that the Injured Reserve List or Injured Non-Roster status has not been utilized properly by the involved Club or otherwise Circumvents any provision of this Agreement, or if he determines that the Club has used the Injured Reserve and/or Injured Non-Roster designations to evade the Active Roster limit, he may take such disciplinary action against the Club that he deems appropriate.

I missed you Spongebob :)

I missed you Spongebob :)

You guys have got to be my second favorite board on this site....and you are so kind to visitors.:)

You better watch out though...if Vancouver keeps up the big signings they are going to be my new favorite "Cap Hell" team.;)

I love the idea of putting Mogilny on IR and then "replacing" his salary to save cap space. As previously noted, since Mogilny would collect a paycheck if put on IR, it's a win-win situation for both him and the Devils. He gets his 3.5 mil, Lou gets to "replace" the 3.5 mil with a lets say Gomez 1 year deal worth 3.5 mil. Hopefully this strategy is legal.

That's the biggest thing. People seem to think that it's 100% legal, but it most certainly might not be. If he's actually injured, then it'd be all right, but if he's not, and Bettman finds out, they could be in a bit of trouble. But, from what I've read, his hip's pretty bad, so it all might work out for the Devils in the end. But if the cap goes down by a substantial amount, or even if it doesn't, they might lose Gomez next year, as I'm guessing he'll only take a 1-year deal. Gionta might be in the same boat.


Also, some Devils fans talked about trading Malakhov's contract to some team trying to reach the floor. Can they actually do that? Trade a player who has filed his retirement papers?

That's the biggest thing. People seem to think that it's 100% legal, but it most certainly might not be. If he's actually injured, then it'd be all right, but if he's not, and Bettman finds out, they could be in a bit of trouble. But, from what I've read, his hip's pretty bad, so it all might work out for the Devils in the end. But if the cap goes down by a substantial amount, or even if it doesn't, they might lose Gomez next year, as I'm guessing he'll only take a 1-year deal. Gionta might be in the same boat.


Also, some Devils fans talked about trading Malakhov's contract to some team trying to reach the floor. Can they actually do that? Trade a player who has filed his retirement papers?

Malakhov hasn't filed his retirement papers, as far as I know. He originally said he retired, but then backed out and asked for a leave of absence, which was then denied. Malakhov is currently suspended from the team. Maybe he has recently, but the last I heard he hasn't.

Both Gomez and Gio like it in Jersey and will want to say if the price is right. Next summer we'll have a lot of cap space, so I don't anticipate that being a big problem. I would just advise Lou to get them locked up as soon as Jan. 1 rolls around. They neglected to work one out w/ Elias, and his value went soaring the last couple months of the season and through the offseason.

Malakhov hasn't filed his retirement papers, as far as I know. He originally said he retired, but then backed out and asked for a leave of absence, which was then denied. Malakhov is currently suspended from the team. Maybe he has recently, but the last I heard he hasn't.

Both Gomez and Gio like it in Jersey and will want to say if the price is right. Next summer we'll have a lot of cap space, so I don't anticipate that being a big problem. I would just advise Lou to get them locked up as soon as Jan. 1 rolls around. They neglected to work one out w/ Elias, and his value went soaring the last couple months of the season and through the offseason.
I agree with getting them locked up Jan. 1. I really think Elias going to the Olympics screwed with Lou's original plan. Not only that but Elias came back strong and probably felt he could raise his price significantly in the final months and do okay on the open market. Could be a different story with Gomez and Gionta, only the first half of the season can tell.

As for Mogilny going on IR or not, we don't know. It seems like it could work so we're discussing all options. At this point I can't really see a team like Washington getting to the floor or far from it. So here's to hoping! What's the fun in having people complain about us not getting under the cap or losing one of our RFA's, all speculation, might as well speculate in a positive light for our team.

Side Note:

Lots of articles state the Cap figure is before the Devils have locked up a backup goalie. Frank Doyle is signed at 450K. I think he is our backup next season.

You guys have got to be my second favorite board on this site....and you are so kind to visitors.:)


I think we are only nice to teams in the West.

Putting Mogilny on the IR is legal, as long as he's hurt. And let's face it - the hip slowed him last year, and in Albany, it flared up again and he did not play the rest of the season. That sounds like injury to me - it's not a shock; he has an arthritic hip, one that's had several surgeries. He's not any younger.. it stinks. A healthy Mogilny would be great for the team (Put him with gomez and gio, move Parise to center elias and langs).. but I don't see it.

Nobody is arguing that his $3.5m will "go away" - the Devils are on the hook for it - but it can be replaced if he can not play.

Let's just say that Mogilny's contract DOES count. It's best for you guys to look at the glass half empty to start so you don't get even more pissed if it's reality.

You are around 42M right now if he does count fully. Maybe 42.5 or something.

That's 1.5-2M to get Gomez, Gionta, Hale, and Martin signed.

I definately think there's going to be a trade soon.

Let's just say that Mogilny's contract DOES count. It's best for you guys to look at the glass half empty to start so you don't get even more pissed if it's reality.

You are around 42M right now if he does count fully. Maybe 42.5 or something.

That's 1.5-2M to get Gomez, Gionta, Hale, and Martin signed.

I definately think there's going to be a trade soon.
I can't even begin to speculate on who might be traded. The only guys that make enough for it to be worth something are Madden, Rafalski, Gomez, or Gionta.

If I had a choice it would be Rafalski but we are so short on defense it can't be an option.

Next would be Gomez, although the strides he made last year make it hard for me to let him go and we are short on centermen for next year.

Then it would be Madden, but he is a bargain for the job he does.

Then Gionta, but I can't see Gio getting traded from a team that has signed his brother.

I think we are only nice to teams in the West.

Hey, you're nice to me too, but that's only because you have pity on me as a Flyers fan.

Congratulations on signing Elias the other day. I was sort of glad, because if he signed elsewhere, I'd be forced to watch Lou use his demonic powers to find some 7th round secret gem to replace him at a salary of $450,000. You know he and Conte have some pact with the Devil to find players who come to the Devils and play great. With Elias it is literally better to face the Devil I know rather than the Devil I don't know.

I can't even begin to speculate on who might be traded. The only guys that make enough for it to be worth something are Madden, Rafalski, Gomez, or Gionta.

If I had a choice it would be Rafalski but we are so short on defense it can't be an option.


I'm starting to think Rafalski, and I don't like it much. He does a lot of little things right that don't get credit. And we'll notice it when he's gone. In particular, his performance on the PP is something not equaled by anyone else on D. Not even close, that's why our top PP line had one D and four O.

But someone is going to have to pay our contract sins of last year.

He was another guy that almost went Ranger last season. I wish it wasn't as easy for athletes to consider this. But it seems to be. Somehow they're not as invested as we are.

It won't be Gionta, he's not at enough money to make that worthwhile and is still excellent value for the dollar no matter what he gets in a new deal or by arbitration.

Gomez and Rafalski are likelier, all things being equal and Lou not being able to come up with miracle cap solution.

I wouldn't mind seeing someone give an offer sheet to Gomez.

I'd like to see Rafalski get traded but he is the closest thing we have to a #1 and we need him to stay.

I wouldn't mind seeing someone give an offer sheet to Gomez.

I'd like to see Rafalski get traded but he is the closest thing we have to a #1 and we need him to stay.

How can you want to see Rafalski traded? Is that just about money?

Cause this guy is great. He's supersmart. Did you see how he played the lord god Ovechkin? He couldn't get any room off of him?

He is great about the stick in the lane, he's fast, he holds the puck at the blue line on the pp like no one I've ever seen in the league, he can shoot from the point or float for a tip from the point.

He is a HUGE Devils asset. I can't will him gone ... but I would understand if a sacrifice had to be made and would just hope we got someone who could do two of the five things he does so well.

How can you want to see Rafalski traded? Is that just about money?

Cause this guy is great. He's supersmart. Did you see how he played the lord god Ovechkin? He couldn't get any room off of him?

He is great about the stick in the lane, he's fast, he holds the puck at the blue line on the pp like no one I've ever seen in the league, he can shoot from the point or float for a tip from the point.

He is a HUGE Devils asset. I can't will him gone ... but I would understand if a sacrifice had to be made and would just hope we got someone who could do two of the five things he does so well.
I have to say when he let the puck up in Game 5 against the Canes it really hurt him in my mind. I'd say he's an excellent #3 D, but on the top pair he can get in over his head, unless he has a very good partner.

Side Note:

Lots of articles state the Cap figure is before the Devils have locked up a backup goalie. Frank Doyle is signed at 450K. I think he is our backup next season.

I like Frank. But then again I liked Clemmy ... liked Schwabby ... even liked Dampy! I guess I'm easy when it comes to backups.

I have to say when he let the puck up in Game 5 against the Canes it really hurt him in my mind. I'd say he's an excellent #3 D, but on the top pair he can get in over his head, unless he has a very good partner.

Game 5?
I'm thinking not so much.
We had bigger D errors in that series.

He needs a solid D partner. Just solid, doesn't have to be anyone spectacular. It was working with Matvichuk ... and then Chukles went down to injury. Lukowich, not quite as good a fit. He's too spotty and doesn't have the same brain pattern. And there was no one else.
Rafalski's a smart defender that doesn't get enough credit, except by the org. obviously because they're paying him a lot of dough.

Hey, you're nice to me too, but that's only because you have pity on me as a Flyers fan.

Congratulations on signing Elias the other day. I was sort of glad, because if he signed elsewhere, I'd be forced to watch Lou use his demonic powers to find some 7th round secret gem to replace him at a salary of $450,000. You know he and Conte have some pact with the Devil to find players who come to the Devils and play great. With Elias it is literally better to face the Devil I know rather than the Devil I don't know.

We're nice to you because you respect us, thats basically how it goes on this board.

The idea of trading Malakhov's "phantom" salary is intriguing and is probable if allowed. I'm sure Washington wouldn't mind picking up a 3rd rounder with 3.6 in cap space which they wouldn't have to actually pay.

And yes, welcome back Spongebob:D

Game 5?
I'm thinking not so much.
We had bigger D errors in that series.

He needs a solid D partner. Just solid, doesn't have to be anyone spectacular. It was working with Matvichuk ... and then Chukles went down to injury. Lukowich, not quite as good a fit. He's too spotty and doesn't have the same brain pattern. And there was no one else.
Rafalski's a smart defender that doesn't get enough credit, except by the org. obviously because they're paying him a lot of dough.
Off a faceoff he let Whitney I think beat him to the puck, take it, and set up their third goal to effectively end our season. It's a play that will stick with me like when the Devils gave up a late goal off a faceoff to the Canes in 2002.

Off a faceoff he let Whitney I think beat him to the puck, take it, and set up their third goal to effectively end our season. It's a play that will stick with me like when the Devils gave up a late goal off a faceoff to the Canes in 2002.

Well that explains your PoV.
There were a few defensive faux pas in that series. That's not even top three in my mind, and not as glaring as 2002 to me. I don't consider Game 5 the turning point. It was just the dagger.

I like Frank. But then again I liked Clemmy ... liked Schwabby ... even liked Dampy! I guess I'm easy when it comes to backups.

The Devils' backup is unimportant. It doesn't matter who they get, they will only play 2 games a year. They might as well save money and just dress Lou as goalie for those games to save money, or else use a trash can or pylon for the role.

The Devils' backup is unimportant. It doesn't matter who they get, they will only play 2 games a year. They might as well save money and just dress Lou as goalie for those games to save money, or else use a trash can or pylon for the role.
Good idea, if Marty gets hurt or something have a defenseman dress in his place...I like it.:)

The Devils' backup is unimportant. It doesn't matter who they get, they will only play 2 games a year. They might as well save money and just dress Lou as goalie for those games to save money, or else use a trash can or pylon for the role.

Well it's still nice to like a guy, which means they're putting someone in the role who can handle not working, not working, not working, then all of a sudden working.
His unimportance is important. ;)

Good idea, if Marty gets hurt or something have a defenseman dress in his place...I like it.:)

Or just play and extra attacker. It'd be fun to watch, although the score might get ridiculous.

As of right now, according to NHLPA.com...I corrected the errors to Elias and Madden's cap hit...we have 11 forwards, 6 defensemen, and 2 goalies signed, including M&M.

The total is $37,612,000 leaving $6,288,000 to sign our RFAs. That number jumps 200K at the very least if we can't remove Mogilny or Malakhov.

This number includes salaries to Tallackson, Ryznar, and Greene.

If we sign our remaining RFAs we will only need to sign one more forward to fill out our roster.

It's tight, but it looks more do-able when you look at the actual numbers. At least we don't have to worry about other teams handing out offer sheets, we can pretty much match any reasonable offer on our players with the extra 10% we're allowed, unless two or three come at once.

From Brian Gionta's local newspaper the Rochester Democrat & Chronicle

Affecting the decision for Gionta and his agent, Steve Bartlett of Pittsford, is what could lie ahead after next season. If he signs for just one year this summer, he becomes an unrestricted free agent next July.

"One year may be in our best interests unless we clearly get (in a long-term deal) what we think will be market value in an open market," Bartlett said. "In an open market, I know Brian Gionta would be extremely valuable."

http://www.democratandchronicle.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060704/SPORTS/607040330/1007/SPORTS

In excess of $3 million or closer to $4 million is what the writer of the story speculates what Gionta is worth

Scotty Gomez's father Carlos is his agent?Didn't know that.What happened to Pat Brisson?

Carlos Gomez understands the Devils' cap trouble, but also believes Scott has been "underpaid" for years. He's willing to negotiate with Lamoriello up until the arbitration hearing in August – if it goes that far. After that, however, the Devils will have to wait until July 1.

"If he can't get a long-term deal done, he'll take the one year he gets from arbitration and then he will explore unrestricted free agency next year," Carlos Gomez said. "I'm not saying Scott wouldn't re-sign with the Devils, but he definitely would see what he can get as an unrestricted free agent."

"Scott wants to stay in New Jersey, but he wants a long-term deal," Gomez said

http://www.northjersey.com/page.php?qstr=eXJpcnk3ZjczN2Y3dnFlZUVFeXkxMzMmZmdi ZWw3Zjd2cWVlRUV5eTY5NTcwMjMmeXJpcnk3ZjcxN2Y3dnFlZU VFeXk2

I think Scott is looking for around 5-6M a year on a long term deal and 4-5M for a 1 year deal. He knows he's worth it as well.

I think Scott is looking for around 5-6M a year on a long term deal and 4-5M for a 1 year deal. He knows he's worth it as well.

He's not looking for 6. He doesn't deserve Joe Thornton money.

I've got calculated

40,977,000

We've got 7,023,000

Left to spend on 4 guys with that ten percent lee-way

Discount the 2.2 from McGillis and we have 9,223,000

4 million for Gomez
3 for Gionta
1.5 for Martin
900K for Hale
------------------
9,400,000

This is annoying......Lou figure it out.

I sure hope Lou can keep Gionta and Gomez now that he has Elias back,

I sure hope Lou can keep Gionta and Gomez now that he has Elias back,

I know Whitey got a deal, but the Devils' way has been to wait ... and particularly with our situation this year, we need to wait.

I really don't like Carlos' way of going about it. It feels claustrophobic.

Discount the 2.2 from McGillis and we have 9,223,000

4 million for Gomez
3 for Gionta
1.5 for Martin
900K for Hale
------------------
9,400,000

This is annoying......Lou figure it out.I think you are too high on the Martin and Hale amounts.

Look at how much Gionta made this past season, $627,000. Do you want to pay Hale 50% more than that and Martin almost three times that?

I don't think they are even arbitration eligible. Do you know if they are? They only have two NHL seasons. They each made $502,000 in '05-06. They should be given slight raises to maybe $600,000 if they do not qualify for arbitration. They will get their chance.

He's not looking for 6. He doesn't deserve Joe Thornton money.

I'd take Gomez 10 times out of 10 over Thornton the Choker.

I'd take Gomez 10 times out of 10 over Thornton the Choker.

I would too, no doubt Scotty's my boy but he'll be in the Savardian-Arnott range.

Puddy I agree, then we can fit them all. Gionta has no case for 4-4.5 because Cheech is comparable.

So lets say 4 for Scott
3 for Brian
850 for Martin
600 for Hale
-----------------
8,450,000

I'd take Gomez 10 times out of 10 over Thornton the Choker.How is he a choker? He went to San Jose and lit a fire under the team after the trade from Boston, where he wasn't doing badly offensively. Thornton's performance earned him the Hart Trophy as the league's MVP.

In this year's playoffs, Thornton had 2 Goals and 7 Assists for 9 PTS in 11 GP. Thornton had two bad playoff years. His rookie campaign in the spring of 1998 and the year before the lockout season, 2004. His rookie year he didn't score too much during the regular season anyway, and Pat Burns didn't use the 18 year old Thornton on a scoring line.

Thornton was injured during the Bruins 7-game loss to the Montreal Canadiens in 2003-04, so he was held pointless for the second time. The only other playoffs in which he didn't put up a decent amount of points is 2002-03. He had 1 G and 2 A for 3 PTS in 5 GP, but that was against Marty Brodeur, Scott Stevens, John Madden and the New Jersey Devils.

I can think a bigger choker, but it is a team. This team dropped its last five games, including at home to the New York Islanders and at Pittsburgh. It was almost as bad as the 1964 Philadelphia Phillies collapse.

So we have $3 million to sign 3 players (Gio, Gomer and Hale). I'm guessing we sign them all and then do a last-minute trade like we did last year to get under the cap. How ironic that Gomer wants a long-term deal NOW when we don't have the cash to give him one. What was wrong with two years ago, Scotty? Or last year for that matter.

This is gonna be one crazy day!

Question: does the lock out season count as a contract year?

Question: does the lock out season count as a contract year?

Yes.

Barry Tallackson (510,000) - Scott Gomez (4,500,000) - Brian Gionta (3,000,000)
Patrik Elias (6,000,000) - Zach Parise (703,000) - Niklas Bergfors (450,000)
Jay Pandolfo (836,000) - John Madden (2,938,000) - Jamie Langenbrunner (2,800,000)
Jason Ryznar (500,000) - Erik Rassmussen (600,000) - Cam Janssen (450,000)
Brian Rafalski (4,200,000) - Paul Martin (900,000)
Colin White (3,000,000) - Richard Matvichuk (1,368,000)
Andy Greene (850,000) - David Hale (700,000)
Martin Brodeur (5,200,000)
Scott Clemmenson (450,000)

39,955,000
+7,100,000
-----------
47,055,000

We need to trim 3,055,000. Any suggestions?

(a) In your example, you'd need to trim more than that, because you forgot the reserve forward and reserve defenseman at a minimum, and two reserve forwards and one reserve defenseman at a maximum.

(b) Why on earth would you put Langenbrunner back with Madden and Pandolfo - it's the biggest waste of Langenbrunner. He should be part of the top six.

Well, we don't really need two reserves. Vancouver, for instace, ran with a 21-man roster last season. But one is necessary, imo.

Barry Tallackson (510,000) - Scott Gomez (4,500,000) - Brian Gionta (3,000,000)
Patrik Elias (6,000,000) - Zach Parise (703,000) - Niklas Bergfors (450,000)
Jay Pandolfo (836,000) - John Madden (2,938,000) - Jamie Langenbrunner (2,800,000)
Jason Ryznar (500,000) - Erik Rassmussen (600,000) - Cam Janssen (450,000)
Brian Rafalski (4,200,000) - Paul Martin (900,000)
Colin White (3,000,000) - Richard Matvichuk (1,368,000)
Andy Greene (850,000) - David Hale (700,000)
Martin Brodeur (5,200,000)
Scott Clemmenson (450,000)

39,955,000
+7,100,000
-----------
47,055,000

We need to trim 3,055,000. Any suggestions?

This is a little OT but what does Madden do that makes him 2 million dollars better than Pandolfo? Faceoffs? Is it just the fact that he is a center and not a wing?

This is a little OT but what does Madden do that makes him 2 million dollars better than Pandolfo? Faceoffs? Is it just the fact that he is a center and not a wing?
Yeah. And he's a hell of a lot faster too. He has also won a Selke and been in the running for it another time. I love Pando, but he gets paid exactly what he is worth.

Yeah. And he's a hell of a lot faster too. He has also won a Selke and been in the running for it another time. I love Pando, but he gets paid exactly what he is worth.I agree, and I will add that Madden was a finalist for the Selke two additional times after winning it in 2000-01.

Anyone who questions John Madden or his role on the New Jersey Devils does not fully understand this hockey club.

I agree, and I will add that Madden was a finalist for the Selke two additional times after winning it in 2000-01.

Anyone who questions John Madden or his role on the New Jersey Devils does not fully understand this hockey club.

Please. People used to say we couldn't replace Holik either. We've lost a lot better players and survived just fine.

Please. People used to say we couldn't replace Holik either. We've lost a lot better players and survived just fine.

I never heard Scott Stevens say Holik has leadership qualities.

I heard him say it about Madden on the SCF 2003 DVD.

Yeah. And he's a hell of a lot faster too. He has also won a Selke and been in the running for it another time. I love Pando, but he gets paid exactly what he is worth.

I'm not saying Pando deserves any more, I just think that 2.9 million is a lot for a 3rd line center when we are having trouble coming up with anything more than 1 to 1.5 million for a 2nd line center.

I have no problem with Madden, I just think that if Lou doesn't find a way around at least one of M&M's contracts and we need to make a significant move to lose salary, Madden should be the first to go of the usual suspects (Gomez, Rafalski, Gionta)

IMO we could survive quite well with a 3rd line of Pando/Brylin/Marshall if it meant keeping Gomez and Gionta plus adding a quality scorer to the top 2 lines.

I'm not saying Pando deserves any more, I just think that 2.9 million is a lot for a 3rd line center when we are having trouble coming up with anything more than 1 to 1.5 million for a 2nd line center.

I have no problem with Madden, I just think that if Lou doesn't find a way around at least one of M&M's contracts and we need to make a significant move to lose salary, Madden should be the first to go of the usual suspects (Gomez, Rafalski, Gionta)

IMO we could survive quite well with a 3rd line of Pando/Brylin/Marshall if it meant keeping Gomez and Gionta plus adding a quality scorer to the top 2 lines.

3rd-line center in definition only. The guy plays the most minutes of any of our centers including Gomez. He plays against the other teams' best players night in and night out. The only forward with more minutes than Madden during the regular season was Gio.

If you think Brylin can play those kind of minutes (top-line minutes) effectively, you're wrong. Brylin is good, but he isn't a shutdown center. Madden's $2.9 million is right on. Plus, he signed for another 3 years. Plays the most minutes for $2.9 million? Trade him? Come on.

Please. People used to say we couldn't replace Holik either. We've lost a lot better players and survived just fine.We survived just fine because of John Madden.

I'm not saying Pando deserves any more, I just think that 2.9 million is a lot for a 3rd line center when we are having trouble coming up with anything more than 1 to 1.5 million for a 2nd line center.For the New Jersey Devils, the third-line center is a heck of lot more important than the second-line center. It is Madden who is asked to go shutdown the opposing line.

Madden's $2.9 million is right on. Plus, he signed for another 3 years. Plays the most minutes for $2.9 million? Trade him? Come on.Also, Madden was a UFA when the Devils signed him to that contract. I am fairly certainly that there were teams looking to play him more than he took from the Devils.

We survived just fine because of John Madden.

For the New Jersey Devils, the third-line center is a heck of lot more important than the second-line center. It is Madden who is asked to go shutdown the opposing line.

I completely disagree. We need a 6th quality scoring forward (presumably a 2L center depending on Parise) to balance out our scoring lines. One of the biggest differences between our teams in the last 2 playoffs and the team that went to the finals 3 out of 4 years is that we don't have the balance on the scoring lines that we used to. Right now we can go with the egg line and have the other team focus all of their attention to shutting them down or we can go with Parise/Gomez/Gionta and Elias/Langenbrunner and ?. The second option is the way to go but right now we are missing that one player to really take the offense to the next level.

I'm not trying to sh** on Madden but IF we are forced to move someone significant this year for salary reasons, IMO he should be the one to go. If there was no cap I wouldn't have a problem with Madden's contract.

Also, Madden was a UFA when the Devils signed him to that contract. I am fairly certainly that there were teams looking to play him more than he took from the Devils.

Really? I'm stuck in Philly so I don't have any friends that like the Devils but the general opinion around here (including the local media) was that we were nuts. Then again they think Bobby Clarke is god, so what do they know.

Really? I'm stuck in Philly so I don't have any friends that like the Devils but the general opinion around here (including the local media) was that we were nuts. Then again they think Bobby Clarke is god, so what do they know.
How to choke. They've got that move down to a science.

The point i'm trying to make, is that while Madden is one of the best at what he does, in the salary capped world, it will end up like football where certain postions are just not paid as much. IMO in future years, a shut down center will be one of spots where you don't have to spend 2.9 million to have one of the best.

I don't really have a player in mind to get in return, but what about trading Gomez, packaging Malakhov with him, and getting an at least decent center in return? With the Hawks signing Havlat for way more than he deserves, one of our take-on-salary-to-reach-the-cap-floor teams no longer need help to reach the cap floor, so I don't see much opportunity to just dump Malakhov somewhere anymore.

Already having a weak offense I don't see much of a chance of being a top end competitive team next year. So why not dump salary while we can and get someone who can admirably fill in the #1/2 center position for the year in return, and then look to the UFA's with plenty of cap room next summer. Maybe Lou could negotiate well enough to even get a good prospect as well in the Gomez trade.

Doesn't packaging Malakhov w/ Gomez actually defeat the purpose of trading Gomez in the first place? If we can afford Gomez, he will stay, if we can't he will go for some cheaper players/picks/prospects. Adding Malakhov to a deal like that only decreases the value we get in return, and it doesn't really make sense b/c it will create uneeded cap space.


I completely disagree. We need a 6th quality scoring forward (presumably a 2L center depending on Parise) to balance out our scoring lines. One of the biggest differences between our teams in the last 2 playoffs and the team that went to the finals 3 out of 4 years is that we don't have the balance on the scoring lines that we used to. Right now we can go with the egg line and have the other team focus all of their attention to shutting them down or we can go with Parise/Gomez/Gionta and Elias/Langenbrunner and ?. The second option is the way to go but right now we are missing that one player to really take the offense to the next level.

I'm not trying to sh** on Madden but IF we are forced to move someone significant this year for salary reasons, IMO he should be the one to go. If there was no cap I wouldn't have a problem with Madden's contract.

Do you understand that Madden averaged close to 20 minutes of ice time per game? The devils would be so lost w/o Madden. He is VASTLY more important than adding a 6th forward in our top two lines.

Then again they think Bobby Clarke is god, so what do they know.


If you told that to actual Flyers fans in Philadelphia/South Jersey, that'd be news. Most of us are berating him. I know I am.



My actual question though, because I know someone here has to know, is exactly how much cap space is available to the Devils? I read everywhere that there is no way Gionta and Gomez will both get signed but I think somehow it will just happen.

The Devils can sign both. Just throwing estimates out there, let's say Gomez at $4.5M, Gio at $3M, Martin at $1M, Hale at $800k. The Devils would be about $5M above the cap. Cuts will have to made in the way of guys like Brylin or Matvichuk, and Lou might have to package a 1st or 2nd rounder w/ Mogilny to try and ship his cap # out.

Overall, though, yes, the Devils can definitely sign one of them, and, with some manuevering, can sign both.

If you told that to actual Flyers fans in Philadelphia/South Jersey, that'd be news. Most of us are berating him. I know I am.



My actual question though, because I know someone here has to know, is exactly how much cap space is available to the Devils? I read everywhere that there is no way Gionta and Gomez will both get signed but I think somehow it will just happen.
At the moment NJ has 12 forwards, 5 defensemen, and 2 goalies signed (not counting M&M or RFAs). Signing all 4 RFAs gives us 14 forwards, 7 defensemen, and 2 goalies, a full team.

Salary committed: $41,362,000.00
Cap space: $2,638,000.00
Space including 10% over allowed: $7,038,000.00

This includes both Malakhov and Mogilny (minus 100K for each because that can be deducted). There isn't that much space to sign all 4 RFAs, but another 500K opens up at training camp if Ryznar or Tallackson get sent down and we carry one extra forward. If we sign Albelin for 450K and send Greene down we save another 400K. If we trade Wiemer instead of sending Ryznar or Tallackson down we save almost 500K. Those little moves give us about an extra 1M of space.

This still doesn't even come close to allowing us to resign all our RFAs for opening night but it's a start. Looking at the numbers makes me realize that one of Mogilny or Malakhov's salaries has to go if we want to keep the team together. That's not me saying that one of them will go, just that if we want to keep everyone one of them has to.

If I was a Devils fan, I would count on Brylin and Kozlov being gone, if Lou is clearing cap space. Brylin is serviceable but replaceable in the Devils system and Kozlov is drek. I don't know if that clears enough room though.

If I was a Devils fan, I would count on Brylin and Kozlov being gone, if Lou is clearing cap space. Brylin is serviceable but replaceable in the Devils system and Kozlov is drek. I don't know if that clears enough room though.

A) Brylin could go, B) Kozlov is UFA his *** is already gone.

The Devils can sign both. Just throwing estimates out there, let's say Gomez at $4.5M, Gio at $3M, Martin at $1M, Hale at $800k. The Devils would be about $5M above the cap. Cuts will have to made in the way of guys like Brylin or Matvichuk, and Lou might have to package a 1st or 2nd rounder w/ Mogilny to try and ship his cap # out.

Overall, though, yes, the Devils can definitely sign one of them, and, with some manuevering, can sign both.

The problem is that there is also an off-season salary cap limit of $48.4 million ($44 million + 10% (or $4.4 million). Meaning that being $5 million over the regular season cap would be in violation of the off-season cap.

Odds are, a salary dump trade will have to be made (at the latest) before the second of the two (Gomez & Gionta) is signed so as not to go over the off-season cap.

The Devils can sign both. Just throwing estimates out there, let's say Gomez at $4.5M, Gio at $3M, Martin at $1M, Hale at $800k. The Devils would be about $5M above the cap. Cuts will have to made in the way of guys like Brylin or Matvichuk, and Lou might have to package a 1st or 2nd rounder w/ Mogilny to try and ship his cap # out.

Overall, though, yes, the Devils can definitely sign one of them, and, with some manuevering, can sign both.Hale and Martin only need to be given 10% raises. That is all that I would give Hale at this time, and I would only given Martin a little more than that. They each made $502,000 last season. That would mean they only need to be given $552,200. They are not eligible for arbitration yet. Their respective paydays will come in a future summer.

They were both eligible for arbitration but neither chose it (Hale & Martin). FWIW - I agree with you on their salaries.

The RFA situation is more about Gomez and Gio.

Hale and Martin only need to be given 10% raises. That is all that I would give Hale at this time, and I would only given Martin a little more than that. They each made $502,000 last season. That would mean they only need to be given $552,200. They are not eligible for arbitration yet. Their respective paydays will come in a future summer.

If you are the Jeff Solomon/agent for Paul Martin,accepting the one year QO or a little bit more than the QO is not that easy when you have Chicago locking up Duncan Keith to a 4 year deal worth $5.9 million/$1.475 million cap #.Keith's entry level contract expired and Chicago gave him almost $1.5 million per.Martin's entry level contract expired at the same time as Keith's ELC

The Hawks also re-signed defenceman Duncan Keith, 23, to a $5.9-million, four-year contract

http://www.sportsnet.ca/tennis/article.jsp?content=20060713_132958_5180

Solomon also represents Colin White

http://www.spshockey.com/clients.asp

I would be very happy if we could sign Martin to a deal like that. :)

I think it would be less than that for one year, however.

The Gomez arbitration hearing is this Friday

"Time is not on our side. We've pretty much gone where we're going to go as far as negotiations," Carlos Gomez said yesterday. "We're too far apart to even talk anymore. It is what it is. Scott knows he may end up being traded. It's disappointing, but he just wants to be treated like everyone else."

NHL sources say the Devils have offered Gomez, a restricted free agent, $4 million for the 2006-07 season. He earned $2.204 million last season, when he scored a career-high 84 points with a career-best 33 goals.

"Scott is ready to leave if that is what is necessary," Carlos Gomez said. "I think he's going to do well in arbitration. That's the chance the Devils are taking. Only Lou knows what he can or can't do (financially)."

"It has been a marriage made in hell with Scott and the Devils (because of salary squabbles and strained relationships with some coaches), but he wants to stay with the Devils. We want this to work out."


http://www.nj.com/sports/ledger/index.ssf?/base/sports-0/1153204697233770.xml&coll=1

Former NHL Players' Association counsel Ian Pulver is representing Gomez at the salary arbitration hearing

The Gomez arbitration hearing is this Friday




http://www.nj.com/sports/ledger/index.ssf?/base/sports-0/1153204697233770.xml&coll=1

Former NHL Players' Association counsel Ian Pulver is representing Gomez at the salary arbitration hearing
Ouch, things are not looking good. "Too far apart to talk anymore" is not what I want to hear :(

If you are the Jeff Solomon/agent for Paul Martin,accepting the one year QO or a little bit more than the QO is not that easy when you have Chicago locking up Duncan Keith to a 4 year deal worth $5.9 million/$1.475 million cap #.Keith's entry level contract expired and Chicago gave him almost $1.5 million per.Martin's entry level contract expired at the same time as Keith's ELCWould he holdout? I seriously doubt that. Like I said, Martin's payday will come. If the Devils had a lot of cap room, then Martin could get $1.5 million in 2006-07. As things stand, I would make Martin wait one year.

Fyi...Elias is schedule to make $7,500,000 next year (his contract is front loaded)not $6,000,000 Madden is scheduled to make $3,892,566.00 not $2.9 mil.

If you would like to the most accurate cap info go to nhlpa.com http://nhlpa.com/WebStats/PlayerSearchV2.asp?OIDTeam=9486 it contains the best info regarding next years salaries.

Fyi...Elias is schedule to make $7,500,000 next year (his contract is front loaded)not $6,000,000 Madden is scheduled to make $3,892,566.00 not $2.9 mil.

If you would like to the most accurate cap info go to nhlpa.com http://nhlpa.com/WebStats/PlayerSearchV2.asp?OIDTeam=9486 it contains the best info regarding next years salaries.

Elias' cap hit is $6.0M (7yr/$42M contract). Madden's cap hit is $2.93M.

All NHLPA.com lists is how much the player makes, not the cap hit.

I don't believe you can front load contracts anymore. The cap hit is based on the total length of the contract. I think.

I don't believe you can front load contracts anymore. The cap hit is based on the total length of the contract. I think.

You can front/back-load contracts. Elias' is front-loaded. It just has little effect on the cap hit, since that's the average of the contact.

Gotcha..so when he is making $5 mil at the end of the deal it will still count as $6 mil then...right?

Gotcha..so when he is making $5 mil at the end of the deal it will still count as $6 mil then...right?

Yup.

So what's the best possible scenario for the devils?

So what's the best possible scenario for the devils?

Honestly, I think it's impossible to know because they are so many possibilities and unanswered questions.

So what's the best possible scenario for the devils?

YOUR 2006-2007 Stanley Cup Champions, the New Jersey Devils!!!!




:)

So what's the best possible scenario for the devils?


Gomez gets traded to a crappy team, realizes how good he has it in Jersey and comes back as a free agent next year? :help:

So what's the best possible scenario for the devils?

Best scenario is that Gomez's arbitration award isn't too much and the Devils are able to trade him for a younger player who is less established but makes as close to the league minimum as possible....

Best scenario is that Gomez's arbitration award isn't too much and the Devils are able to trade him for a younger player who is less established but makes as close to the league minimum as possible....

Lamorello will win the arbitration hearing...deal a player plus picks and Malakov's salary..... to clear space for Gomez and move on....for this season.

Correct me if I'm wrong:

Elias ($6m)
Brodeur ($5.2m)
Gomez ($5m)
Rafalski ($4.2m)
Malakhov ($3.6m)
Mogilny ($3.5m)
White ($3.0m)
Madden ($2.926m)
Langenbrunner ($2.8m)
Brylin ($1.520m)
Matvichuk ($1.368m)
Lukowich ($1.0m)
Pandolfo ($836k)
Marshall ($760k)
Parise ($703k)
Janssen ($450k)
Rupp ($450k)

(McGillis and Wiemer to Minors to save 3.15 mil)

We have $687,000 under the cap. With 6 or 7 players to sign. Undoubtedly, the 7th D and 2 reserve forwards will be ~500k. The backup goalie will be as well, but even with all them at $2m, we're 1.313 over the cap, with Gionta, Martin, Hale to sign.

Assuming Martin and Hale combined are 1.4 that's 1.713 over the cap, with Gionta getting at least $2m...

We have to move ~3.7m off the books.

And that's after already taking McGillis and Wiemer off.

See ya, Rafy. It's been a great ride, but alas it must end.

The first post has been updated with Gomez's info.

You know, we COULD send Rafalski to the Minors to take the 4.2 off the books.

We don't have to trade any of the non-35 guys...

Of course, Rafalski becomes a UFA next year and why would he re-sign with a team that did that...

You know, we COULD send Rafalski to the Minors to take the 4.2 off the books.

We don't have to trade any of the non-35 guys...

Of course, Rafalski becomes a UFA next year and why would he re-sign with a team that did that...

Why the hell would we do that?

It was to illustrate that we don't necessarily have to lose someone like Brylin, Rafalski, etc... we could just lose their cap number.

Probably won't happen, but ...

You know, we COULD send Rafalski to the Minors to take the 4.2 off the books.

We don't have to trade any of the non-35 guys...

Of course, Rafalski becomes a UFA next year and why would he re-sign with a team that did that...

What!? First of all, Raffy is not going anywhere. Secondly, why in the world would he send him down when we could simply trade him and get some assets in return? Rafalski is a good #2 d-man who is worth his salary. Many teams would be interested.

See ya, Rafy. It's been a great ride, but alas it must end.Who is going to fill his role on the blueline? Things would look worse than they did under Larry Robinson "who cares" approach to team defense.

You know, we COULD send Rafalski to the Minors to take the 4.2 off the books.

We don't have to trade any of the non-35 guys...

Of course, Rafalski becomes a UFA next year and why would he re-sign with a team that did that...

I know this has already been addressed by other posters, but...

:confused: :amazed: :shakehead :help: :banghead: :eek: :dunno: :propeller