Richards' Contract Bad News for Devils?

It's being reported that Brad Richards' new contract with Tampa is a 5 year deal worth around 40 million - that works out to around 8 million per year :eek:

Is Gomez going to be looking for a contract like that? I don't think he's worth quite that much, but here's a comparison of the two over the past three seasons:

Player....................................Goals... .....Assists.......Points
Scott Gomez 2005-2006............33............51.............84
Scott Gomez 2003-2004............14............56.............70
Scott Gomez 2002-2003............13............42.............55

Brad Richards 2005-2006...........23............68.............91
Brad Richards 2003-2004...........26............53.............79
Brad Richards 2002-2003...........17............57.............74

Based on that, what kind of money do you think Gomez is worth? 6 million? 6.5 million?

Wow, Richards is a good player and all, but boy if true they overpaid for him BIG time!

EDIT: I just read that it's probably around $5 Mill a season which makes more sense.

Wow, Richards is a good player and all, but boy if true they overpaid for him BIG time!I agree. He will have to build upon his stats to warrant $8 million a year.

My hope is that Elias, Gomez and Gionta will take a little less for the Devils to assure that there will be talent around them, much like Martin Brodeur did.

I agree. He will have to build upon his stats to warrant $8 million a year.

My hope is that Elias, Gomez and Gionta will take a little less for the Devils to assure that there will be talent around them, much like Martin Brodeur did.
And it looks like it is $8 Mill a season.

That does not bode well for us at all because I consider Patrick a better player than Richards and if he's getting the max, oh boy....

It looks official, TSN (http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/news_story/?ID=166601&hubname=) has the story. 5 years, 39 million - so that's 7.8 million per season.

Big overpayment, IMO, but that could hurt us a lot. I agree that Elias is the better player than Richards (though Elias is a winger, not a center), and now I'm really worried about the offseason.

say goodbye to either Gomez or Elias!

It looks official, TSN (http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/news_story/?ID=166601&hubname=) has the story. 5 years, 39 million - so that's 7.8 million per season.

Big overpayment, IMO, but that could hurt us a lot. I agree that Elias is the better player than Richards (though Elias is a winger, not a center), and now I'm really worried about the offseason.
And it could hurt us with Gomez because no way does he sign a extension with us this summer when he sees a player like Richards who is very similar to him in many ways getting the max, his eyes must be lighting up with $$$.

And it could hurt us with Gomez because no way does he sign a extension with us this summer when he sees a player like Richards who is very similar to him in many ways getting the max, his eyes must be lighting up with $$$.

I think locking up Gomez long term now becomes just as much of an issue as re-signing Elias this off-season. I think Richards is a very talented player, but that much money??? I don't know about that....I probably does affect Elias' overall worth now, because Elias and Richards, talent wise are fairly equal. This big contract defintely affects the overall marketplace....

Holy crap - I think Richards is great but that is alot and is so going to hamper our chances of signing Elias and Gomer long term. Not to mention that now that Richards is taken off the market by signing early - this could drive up Elias's price more, depending on the cap maximum. ****!

WOW overpay much? sheesh...

If Richards got that as a RFA there is no doubt Patty will get at least that as a UFA.

Also as stated Gomez's eyes lite up bigtime when he saw this come across the wire.

Looks like the market is being set for premier players.

If Richards got that as a RFA there is no doubt Patty will get at least that as a UFA.
Also as stated Gomez's eyes lite up bigtime when he saw this come across the wire.

Looks like the market is being set for premier players.
It doesn't mean that at all, could he demand that, sure, but no way does it mean that for sure he'll get that, where are you getting this from??

This Richards contract hurts every team. What team wants to pay Elias $8 million? The better question is what team can? Caps, Yotes who? In my opinion, Elias isn't worth $8 million, if he can find a sucker, good luck to him. Chara's worth? Anybody's guess. Can't blame this one on the Rangers.

The signing probably means the cap is going up to $46 million. I would think that the Tampa GM made sure that it was or at least I hope.

It doesn't mean that at all, could he demand that, sure, but no way does it mean that for sure he'll get that, where are you getting this from??

So Richards getting 8 million per on a longterm deal as a RESTRICTED FA doesn't increase Elias' chances of getting the same type of money while being able to bargain all 30 teams?

Where I'm getting it from is just logic and common sense.

The bar has just been raised for what top end players got with this deal and this was a RFA signing.

This signing great effects both Elias and Gomez and pretty much all top end players out there.

how could would you say different?

Tampa is the new Rangers of the new NHL...7M for Lecavalier, 8M for Richards, 6M for St. Louis. Has Feaster lost his mind? Half the team's cap money is locked into three players.

Tampa is the new Rangers of the new NHL...7M for Lecavalier, 8M for Richards, 6M for St. Louis. Has Feaster lost his mind? Half the team's cap money is locked into three players.


He better pray those three stay healthy.

Tampa is the new Rangers of the new NHL...7M for Lecavalier, 8M for Richards, 6M for St. Louis. Has Feaster lost his mind? Half the team's cap money is locked into three players.

Your numbers are incorrect, cap hits are $6.875M Lecavalier, $5.25M St. Louis & $7.8M Richards, thank you.

And that's so much worse than having potentially over $7M in cap money tied up in players that won't even be playing for the Devils next season? That will really suck if true.

Your numbers are incorrect, cap hits are $6.875M Lecavalier, $5.25M St. Louis & $7.8M Richards, thank you.

And that's so much worse than having potentially over $7M in cap money tied up in players that won't even be playing for the Devils next season? That will really suck if true.

his numbers were way off :D

less than 2 mil off, still a nice chunk of change.

Your numbers are incorrect, cap hits are $6.875M Lecavalier, $5.25M St. Louis & $7.8M Richards, thank you.

And that's so much worse than having potentially over $7M in cap money tied up in players that won't even be playing for the Devils next season? That will really suck if true.

It is in way, because Tampa just pushed up the pay scale on front line players. The misakes of Lou only hurts the Devils not the entire league as the Richards contract does.

Your numbers are incorrect, cap hits are $6.875M Lecavalier, $5.25M St. Louis & $7.8M Richards, thank you.

And that's so much worse than having potentially over $7M in cap money tied up in players that won't even be playing for the Devils next season? That will really suck if true.
At least the Devils' mistake will only hurt them for one season (two if they buy out M&M), while the Lightning will have a huge hit for the whole length of their rather long contracts.

So Richards getting 8 million per on a longterm deal as a RESTRICTED FA doesn't increase Elias' chances of getting the same type of money while being able to bargain all 30 teams?

Where I'm getting it from is just logic and common sense.

The bar has just been raised for what top end players got with this deal and this was a RFA signing.

This signing great effects both Elias and Gomez and pretty much all top end players out there.

how could would you say different?
It increases his chances yes, but you said there was no doubt he would get this money, not that it would increase his chances and I'm asking you how you know there is no doubt he will now get that money.

It increases his chances yes, but you said there was no doubt he would get this money, not that it would increase his chances and I'm asking you how you know there is no doubt he will now get that money.

Is Elias a top player in the NHL?

Is he a game breaker?

Is he a well liked teamate?

Is he considered capatin material by the Devils?

All that being said you don't see how this RESTRICTED FREE AGENT SIGNING has directly effected the Elais negotiations as well as every other true top end NHLer's? :dunno:

The market has been established for star players and the one that set it wasn't even free to negotiate with all 30 teams as Patty is.

What more needs to be said?

And this isn't just about Elias, it's about every top end guy like Chara, Redden, etc.

$7.8 million is the maximum amount allowed at the moment. In a few weeks, the NHL will announce the new cap amount when their 2005-06 numbers are finalized.

Your numbers are incorrect, cap hits are $6.875M Lecavalier, $5.25M St. Louis & $7.8M Richards, thank you.

And that's so much worse than having potentially over $7M in cap money tied up in players that won't even be playing for the Devils next season? That will really suck if true.Yes, it is. It's just one year for the Devils, two if the Devils buy out those contracts at 2/3 value and spread the cap cost over two seasons.

If Richards doesn't put up close to 100 Points a season over the length of this contract, it will not be a good deal to pay him $7.8 million.

Is Elias a top player in the NHL?

Is he a game breaker?

Is he a well liked teamate?

Is he considered capatin material by the Devils?

All that being said you don't see how this RESTRICTED FREE AGENT SIGNING has directly effected the Elais negotiations as well as every other true top end NHLer's? :dunno:

The market has been established for star players and the one that set it wasn't even free to negotiate with all 30 teams as Patty is.

What more needs to be said?

And this isn't just about Elias, it's about every top end guy like Chara, Redden, etc.

Of course it effects Elias negotiations and he very well might get the max and it might have nothing to do with Richards contract as well, but you came in this thread and claimed this:

If Richards got that as a RFA there is no doubt Patty will get at least that as a UFA

I just have no idea how you could know this to be a guarantee.

Your numbers are incorrect, cap hits are $6.875M Lecavalier, $5.25M St. Louis & $7.8M Richards, thank you.

And that's so much worse than having potentially over $7M in cap money tied up in players that won't even be playing for the Devils next season? That will really suck if true.
Remember when we went through that lockout thing with inflated salaries and we were promised more fiscal responsibility from the GMs? Try to tell me that Richards and Lecavalier...and to a lesser extent St. Louis...aren't overpaid. What does this have to do with Malakhov and Mogilny? That was a mistake that everyone admits to in the Devils organization...Feaster obviously doesn't see anything wrong with the signings he made last year because he compounded his problems by signing Richards to a ridiculous contract. Even after Tampa did terribly with these three and no goalie in the playoffs this year. Now they are locked into these three and no goalie.

Whenever players get overpaid this badly (1M+) it makes it harder for the rest of the league in arbitration and negotiations with players. That's where it stops being a Tampa problem and starts being an NHL problem.

Edit: And oh, my numbers being way off, I was going off the top of my head and I was 1.075M off. The only one I really missed was St. Louis. Doesn't change my point though.

Whenever players get overpaid this badly (1M+) it makes it harder for the rest of the league in arbitration and negotiations with players. That's where it stops being a Tampa problem and starts being an NHL problem...
I don't think the other GMs are going to quickly forget it either, and may play hardball when it comes to dealing with Tampa if this signing has a domino effect league-wide.
}:-(>

Of course it effects Elias negotiations and he very well might get the max and it might have nothing to do with Richards contract as well, but you came in this thread and claimed this:



I just have no idea how you could know this to be a guarantee.

C'mon Lou, let's not play games, Patty is hiring a new agent, he has openly stated he will do what is best for HIM, has stated he will test the UFA waters, do you honestly see him taking anything less then the 7.8 million that a RESTRICTED FA was able to command while only being able to negotiate with one team as opposed the 30 teams that will be free to throw money Patty's way?

Your numbers are incorrect, cap hits are $6.875M Lecavalier, $5.25M St. Louis & $7.8M Richards, thank you.

And that's so much worse than having potentially over $7M in cap money tied up in players that won't even be playing for the Devils next season? That will really suck if true.

Until I see something from the NHL home office in the form of a press release, I have no reason to worry about these contracts as this season isn't over yet. I won't go by a rehashed article/topic that won't have a conclusion at the moment.

As a fan of a team that has almost 20 million tied up in three forwards long term, that's where my concern would be.

C'mon Lou, let's not play games, Patty is hiring a new agent, he has openly stated he will do what is best for HIM, has stated he will test the UFA waters, do you honestly see him taking anything less then the 7.8 million that a RESTRICTED FA was able to command while only being able to negotiate with one team as opposed the 30 teams that will be free to throw money Patty's way?


Patty has stated that he will attempt to get the best offer possible and have the Devils match it.

My take on Patty: He saw that Lou offered Scott the max and he will want the same to stay as a Devil. He's got a good thing here and wants to be able to get Scott Niedermayer money from the Devils.

C'mon Lou, let's not play games, Patty is hiring a new agent, he has openly stated he will do what is best for HIM, has stated he will test the UFA waters, do you honestly see him taking anything less then the 7.8 million that a RESTRICTED FA was able to command while only being able to negotiate with one team as opposed the 30 teams that will be free to throw money Patty's way?
Money can't be the only deciding factor in where Patty wants to sign.
Patty knows that Lou showed him a ton of loyalty when he got sick, and Patty also has said he does not want to be part of a re-building team...he will take these things into consideration when making his choice. Patty also knows that Lou will make decisions based on the teams' well-being both financially and competitively and will need some breathing room in order to assemble a team around him. Even if teams like Washington, Atlanta, Columbus, Phoenix, etc surpass the Devils' offer, Patrik will make his decision based on other factors than money.
Will Elias be offered the max by other teams with plenty of cap space? Probably - and there will be more than one suitor offering the same amount of money. Will he leave just for financial considerations? If so, then that reveals a character flaw that the Devils don't need on the team.
}:-(>

Patty has stated that he will attempt to get the best offer possible and have the Devils match it.
When did he specifically say that?
I don't remember his all quotes verbatim, but what I do seem to remember is:
·Patty will do what is best for him - salary-wise or not.
·Patty wants to see what other teams are interested - doesn't necessarily mean he wants to go to them.
·Patty has said that he appreciates the loyalty the team has showed him - this goes beyond compensation.

I don't remember him saying that he will see if the Devils can match salary offers.

}:-)>

When did he specifically say that?
I don't remember his all quotes verbatim, but what I do seem to remember is:
·Patty will do what is best for him - salary-wise or not.
·Patty wants to see what other teams are interested - doesn't necessarily mean he wants to go to them.
·Patty has said that he appreciates the loyalty the team has showed him - this goes beyond compensation.

I don't remember him saying that he will see if the Devils can match salary offers.

}:-)>


It was in one of the many articles I read over the weekend, if I find it I will link it here. He also stated that the Devils are at the top of his list.

C'mon Lou, let's not play games, Patty is hiring a new agent, he has openly stated he will do what is best for HIM, has stated he will test the UFA waters, do you honestly see him taking anything less then the 7.8 million that a RESTRICTED FA was able to command while only being able to negotiate with one team as opposed the 30 teams that will be free to throw money Patty's way?



Yes.

What team will be able to give him the max and qualifies as a cup contender team? Do you really think he's going to go to Phoenix because they offer more money than the Devils?

And I have never said resigning Elias was not going to be expensive, your the one that came in here and telling us that there is no way Elias won't get a max contract and I keep asking how you how you know this without a doubt, I'm still waiting for an answer by the way.

Yes.

What team will be able to give him the max and qualifies as a cup contender team? Do you really think he's going to go to Phoenix because they offer more money than the Devils?

And I have never said resigning Elias was not going to be expensive, your the one that came in here and telling us that there is no way Elias won't get a max contract and I keep asking how you how you know this without a doubt, I'm still waiting for an answer by the way.


I like how all the fans of other teams think that we expected Elias to come cheap. While I hope we can sign him between for something reasonable, the fact is my opinion is based on what Scott was offered last year and Elias would expect at least that.

And I have never said resigning Elias was not going to be expensive, your the one that came in here and telling us that there is no way Elias won't get a max contract and I keep asking how you how you know this without a doubt, I'm still waiting for an answer by the way.

Ok, it's not w/o a doubt but let's use some common sense here, do you think Patty won't get the 7.8 million that Richards got or not?

And I'm well aware that you guys aren't expecting Elias to come cheap.I for one think they resign him but with what he'll eat up plus what Richards just got today I think Gomez will be the goner come next July.

And the price just went up for everybody, not just the Devil players so I'm not trying to paint it ugly for the Devils because it just got ugly for every team.

Ok, it's not w/o a doubt but let's use some common sense here, do you think Patty won't get the 7.8 million that Richards got or not?

I don't think it's a sure thing as you seem to think it is, remember Niedermeyer last summer didn't get the max or even anywhere close to it and he was consider one of the top prizes in the FA market.

I think it's really hard for teams to sign other teams free agents at the max espcially if that team is one of the better teams in the league, that's ALOT of space to clear up for one player and the only teams capable of clearing that much space are probably not the better teams in the NHL.

So if you put a gun to my head I would say no, he won't get the max.

And I'm well aware that you guys aren't expecting Elias to come cheap.I for one think they resign him but with what he'll eat up plus what Richards just got today I think Gomez will be the goner come next July.

I agree, in fact I already stated that Gomez most likely is a goner after this year in the Trades and Rumours forum.


And the price just went up for everybody, not just the Devil players so I'm not trying to paint it ugly for the Devils because it just got ugly for every team.

I still have no idea what Feaster could have been thinking with this contract.

I like how all the fans of other teams think that we expected Elias to come cheap. While I hope we can sign him between for something reasonable, the fact is my opinion is based on what Scott was offered last year and Elias would expect at least that.
If Elias expects at least that, then I expect to see him walk. IMO, Niedermayer is worth a max contract - he plays in every possible situation (including #1 PP and #1 PK units) and is usually among the league leaders in minutes played, not to mention easily one of the best defensemen (if not best players) in the NHL. He's worth max money. Even if he goes into a funk offensively, he's still contributing greatly in other ways. He's also the type of player you could build the team around.

Elias is a great player, but how many players in this league are really going to command top dollar? IMO, that type of money should be reserved for only the truly elite players of the league. Richards is a great player, but I don't think he fits the elite description. Maybe there will be other GM's out there that offer that type of money up to Elias, but I don't think it'll be as many as some expect. You see comments on this board that there will be "30 teams looking to sign Elias" this offseason, but that's not even close to reality. Sure, any team would like to have him, but not many that can afford him and offer a chance to win. I also wonder if GM's have picked up on how fiscally responsible this year's final 4 were (Carolina and Buffalo didn't sign any big names this past offseason, while the big Anaheim and Edmonton signings - after trading for Pronger - were both for franchise players signed for relative values). I honestly don't know how Feaster thinks the Lightning can be a top team with so much money tied into those three players. What about defense and goaltending? IMO, all three are overpaid and I'd have to believe one of Lecavlier or St. Louis gets dealt this offseason.

As for Elias, I'm sure Lou will give him a fair offer, certainly within the $6-$7M range, but if other teams get into a bidding war near $7.8M and higher, I find it tough to justify giving him that much money.

Ok, it's not w/o a doubt but let's use some common sense here, do you think Patty won't get the 7.8 million that Richards got or not?

And I'm well aware that you guys aren't expecting Elias to come cheap.I for one think they resign him but with what he'll eat up plus what Richards just got today I think Gomez will be the goner come next July.

And the price just went up for everybody, not just the Devil players so I'm not trying to paint it ugly for the Devils because it just got ugly for every team.
I honestly thought Elias would go in the 6-6.5M range and I'd be fine with paying him that much. I just don't think there are teams that can both offer him approx. 8M per season AND contend for the cup. Feaster is a moron and any GM that takes his signings and uses them as a measuring stick will be in cap hell. Nobody here is disputing that Elias will look for that kind of contract but the real question is whether he will actually get it along with the other intangibles he may be seeking. Niedermayer took less than what Lou was offering because of outside factors the same as if Elias had to choose between say an Ottawa or a Chicago.

I may be wrong on all of this but if Elias signs a Richards-like contract with a contender I'll eat my hat.

If Elias expects at least that, then I expect to see him walk. IMO, Niedermayer is worth a max contract - he plays in every possible situation (including #1 PP and #1 PK units) and is usually among the league leaders in minutes played, not to mention easily one of the best defensemen (if not best players) in the NHL. He's worth max money. Even if he goes into a funk offensively, he's still contributing greatly in other ways. He's also the type of player you could build the team around.

Elias is a great player, but how many players in this league are really going to command top dollar? IMO, that type of money should be reserved for only the truly elite players of the league. Richards is a great player, but I don't think he fits the elite description. Maybe there will be other GM's out there that offer that type of money up to Elias, but I don't think it'll be as many as some expect. You see comments on this board that there will be "30 teams looking to sign Elias" this offseason, but that's not even close to reality. Sure, any team would like to have him, but not many that can afford him and offer a chance to win. I also wonder if GM's have picked up on how fiscally responsible this year's final 4 were (Carolina and Buffalo didn't sign any big names this past offseason, while the big Anaheim and Edmonton signings - after trading for Pronger - were both for franchise players signed for relative values). I honestly don't know how Feaster thinks the Lightning can be a top team with so much money tied into those three players. What about defense and goaltending? IMO, all three are overpaid and I'd have to believe one of Lecavlier or St. Louis gets dealt this offseason.

As for Elias, I'm sure Lou will give him a fair offer, certainly within the $6-$7M range, but if other teams get into a bidding war near $7.8M and higher, I find it tough to justify giving him that much money.
:clap:
Agreed 100%

Damn. Who was Richard's agent? Phil Leatardo?

Damn. Who was Richard's agent? Phil Leatardo?
Would that mean Feaster is then Vito?

How Richards is worth the max is beyond me. Thanks a lot Jay Feaster you lardo retardo.

This doesn't affect Elias because with Elias there will be a line of teams all ready to offer him the max regardless of what Richards got.

This contract hurts you moreso with Gomez and Gionta

Gomez stats were very similar to Richards the last 2 years and it can be argued by his agent that if he were to agree that Gomez it a notch below that of Richards, it's not by much and he'd be right.

Gomez is going to command close to 7 mil a year.

Gionta is also going to ge a monster raise from his current salary as well and while it's not going to be anywhere near the 7 million mark of a Gomez, 3+ to maybe 4 million for Gionta wouldn't surprise me in the least. Maybe more.

He led the team in goals, Power play goals, Game winning goals, shots, +/-

Gionta is going to be the reason you cannot resign Elias, that or Gionta is going to be dealt because of the Elias signing.

Lou will never tie up 20 million in 3 players (28.5 million in 4 players counting Marty Almo and Maladog)

Man, this cap thing can be a beyotch

What we can do is deal Gomez....maybe San Jose would part with P. Marleau for him.

This doesn't affect Elias because with Elias there will be a line of teams all ready to offer him the max regardless of what Richards got.

But like who for instance?

Gomez is going to command close to 7 mil a year.

I can't see that happening. Gomez is good, but he isn't Richards. Brad, along with beeing good offensively, has a very well-rounded game. He's a clutch performer in the playoffs, too. He's been more consistent throughout his career than Gomez as well.

Um, Gomez is also a RFA. No arbitrator will rule that Gomez should be making even close to that figure.

I can see Gomez getting $4.5-$5 Million in a longterm deal. No more. Teams will not pay him more than that.

I can't see that happening. Gomez is good, but he isn't Richards. Brad, along with beeing good offensively, has a very well-rounded game. He's a clutch performer in the playoffs, too. He's been more consistent throughout his career than Gomez as well.

Um, Gomez is also a RFA. No arbitrator will rule that Gomez should be making even close to that figure.

I can see Gomez getting $4.5-$5 Million in a longterm deal. No more. Teams will not pay him more than that.

Gomez has come into his own in the all around game, the playoff thing is debatable.......

I can see Gomez getting $4.5-$5 Million in a longterm deal. No more. Teams will not pay him more than that.
I dunno man, I think Gomez could fetch $5.5-6M on the open market myself.

Gomez has come into his own in the all around game, the playoff thing is debatable.......

I agree he has improved his game and rounded it out. It's something to be said though, to be consistently putting up numbers and playing a good well-rounded game for 4-5 years instead of half a season (Gomez was terrible for the first 35 or so games of this season).

i think that if brad richards can make 7.8 per year, i think gomez can command 6 easily...and that scares me

i think that if brad richards can make 7.8 per year, i think gomez can command 6 easily...and that scares me
Agreed. I think Gomez will probably be gone after this season. With the centers we have in the system Gomez is probably the most expendable player, but I really don't want to see him go.

Agreed. I think Gomez will probably be gone after this season. With the centers we have in the system Gomez is probably the most expendable player, but I really don't want to see him go.

Would Daniel Briere command $6-$7 Million? Andy McDonald? No, of course not.

You people are putting too much weight into this. Brad Richards doesn't automatically change the market, especially in the salary cap world.

Would Daniel Briere command $6-$7 Million? Andy McDonald? No, of course not.

You people are putting too much weight into this. Brad Richards doesn't automatically change the market, especially in the salary cap world.
You're right in that it doesn't change the market. What it does change is how easy it will be to sign guys before they hit the open market. Gomez can either sign a reasonable long term contract or wait and see his market value and then fall back on that reasonable long term contract anyway if he doesn't get a crazy offer.

i think that if brad richards can make 7.8 per year, i think gomez can command 6 easily...and that scares me

6, but not more than 6....regardless, I think it will be tough to get him locked up long term....

But like who for instance?

that has the cap space to add a player just like Elias

that AND to go after a D-man like Chara.

but all things equal why would a Czech born player want to come here?? :dunno:


;)

6, but not more than 6....regardless, I think it will be tough to get him locked up long term....

I think 6M is the ideal number for the moment when taking the Richards signing into consideration.

But what does Gionta get now? 4.5/5M?

No way, not after one good season. I'm still behind Cheechoo's kind of money.

No way, not after one good season. I'm still behind Cheechoo's kind of money.

Then what in the world is he going to get? I estimated, and a lot of people seemed to as well, 3.5-4M before this contract signing.

Who knows? The Richard's re-signing has everyone on HF speculating. I just don't see Gionta making more than 3.5.

Gomez gets:

A. 2.2 for 1 year

or

B. Something like 13.5 to 14 for 3 years


His choice

I may be wrong on all of this but if Elias signs a Richards-like contract with a contender I'll eat my hat.

I'll share a hat with you. My take is if Patrick truly appreciates what Lou did and wants the Devils to ice a good team, Between $6.5 and $7million should be enough to get him resigned. If it's all about the money, there isn't one player in the new NHL who's worth $8million per in my opinion....Even Patrick to the Devils.

Gionta was the most improved in points this year according to another poster. If he can sustain that over several seasons like Gomez, then he gets the big money. If he drops back to his '03-'04 numbers, then he is a one-year wonder, who the league may be able to solve, like Carolina did, especially IF without Elias and POSSIBLY without Gomez in another year OR less ( I hope not and doubt it).

That said his "Just because you have arbitration, doesn't mean you have to use it." is good Devilspeak.

Who knows? The Richard's re-signing has everyone on HF speculating. I just don't see Gionta making more than 3.5.
Maybe 4, but no more than that. Like others have said, Gionta has had one great year, Gomez has had many.

Look at Marty St. Louis. He had a career year, the Lightning shelled out big money for him, than this year he didn't produce nearly as much and they're stuck with this ridiculously large and hard to trade contract. Until Gionta has put together a few good seasons in a row, giving him more than 3.5-4 million is too much of a risk.

Gionta 2.25 per for 2 season

Gionta 2.25 per for 2 season

If he signs that he must really, really, really love the organization and New Jersey or Lou has pictures of him in some incriminating pose in his desk drawer.

If he signs that he must really, really, really love the organization and New Jersey or Lou has pictures of him in some incriminating pose in his desk drawer.


His only other choice is arbitration...........I wouldn't be surprised if Lou advices him to go to arbitration

His only other choice is arbitration...........I wouldn't be surprised if Lou advices him to go to arbitration

I'm pretty sure that the arbitrator will give him at LEAST 3M. And that's on the low end.

i feel, as do many others, that gio will be more "loyal" in a sense than gomez, especially now that his brother is in the organization. gio makes what, less than a million now? i think if we bump that up to 3 we have a good shot at signing him. im not worried about gio, im more worried about gomez and patty...

Whenever players get overpaid this badly (1M+) it makes it harder for the rest of the league in arbitration and negotiations with players. That's where it stops being a Tampa problem and starts being an NHL problem.

This is not the NHL's problem, that's why they made a salary cap. It will be a problem for players #6-23 on any NHL roster who will have to take lower contracts. what is the difference how much somebody makes for Owners, as long as the payroll is within limits(ie 1 player making 8 million and 3 players making league minimium(500k) is the same as 1 player making 5 million and 3 players making 1.5 million).

The smart GM will sit back and watch GM's overspend on high end talent and sign 2nd and 3rd tier players at cheaper prices to have a more rounded out team.

I hope for NJ fans they'll have their heart and soul back....

If Tampa can do it... so can NJ. Unless things go bad.

Elias wouldn't look right in another jersey.

Unless of course you come west Patty... win a cup in Vancouver.

Elias would love the fast western game.

Pipe dream :bow:
Gagne - Morrison - Elias (all for 15M)