Saku Koivu

Im sure everybody here have heard the rumors but man, would he be great asset to this team! Koivu and Selanne have had great chemistry in the national teams every time they played together. Beauchemin also gave some hints to a reporter that Koivu might become a Duck.

Lupul - Getzlaf - Perry
Ryan - Koivu - Selanne

Looks like cup contender's top 6 to me.

/discuss :)

EDIT: seems like Eklund is thinking what i was thinking http://www.hockeybuzz.com/blog/Eklun...eim-e4/1/21841

It´s possible but still sounds too good to actually happend. I hope I´m wrong.

Koivu would feed Selänne and Lupes well.

Lupul's contract isn't backloaded so I don't know how they would fit in Koivu with a $46 million budget, not if they want to have a solid group of defencemen.

Koivu makes a ton of sense but i think with Murray wanting more size up front it's more likely Lupul will be moved back to center and a big winger is acquired.

Koivu makes a ton of sense but i think with Murray wanting more size up front it's more likely Lupul will be moved back to center and a big winger is acquired.

Lupul....play center....HHAAHAHAHAHAHA, he doesn't have one attribute that would make him a good center. I can't even begin to think how terrible a duo of Lupul centering Selanne would be....who would be the playmaker? Who would play defense? Hell, I'd rather have Selanne play center, at least we know he can win faceoffs.

Lupul....play center....HHAAHAHAHAHAHA, he doesn't have one attribute that would make him a good center. I can't even begin to think how terrible a duo of Lupul centering Selanne would be....who would be the playmaker? Who would play defense? Hell, I'd rather have Selanne play center, at least we know he can win faceoffs.

Lupul played center his whole life before he broke into the NHL. He become a winger for a reason but that doesn't mean it would completely foreign to him. I'm not in favor of it but it wouldn't be the end of the world if Carlyle tried that out.

As for Koivu, it would be a big risk unless he signs a miniscule contract. I'm afraid that signing Koivu, or any higher priced player for that matter, would mean Jiggy has to be traded and I'm not in favor of that at all. We all fell in love with Bryzgalov a few years ago and thought he would be the #1 goalie but I think it's safe to say he didn't really set the league on fire since then. Hiller might turn the page like Bryz couldn't but we don't.

So no on Koivu. I think the best thing to do, for now, is stick with Ebbett.

Lupul....play center....HHAAHAHAHAHAHA, he doesn't have one attribute that would make him a good center. I can't even begin to think how terrible a duo of Lupul centering Selanne would be....who would be the playmaker? Who would play defense? Hell, I'd rather have Selanne play center, at least we know he can win faceoffs.

We drafter a center called Joffrey Lupul 7th overall. That's pretty high for a guy who "doesn't have one attribute that would make him a good center".

We drafter a center called Joffrey Lupul 7th overall. That's pretty high for a guy who "doesn't have one attribute that would make him a good center".

Lupul wasn't drafted to be a center. Sure, he was listed as C/RW when he played in juniors, but he's far from being a center. Center has the most responsibility of all of the forwards, that includes playing defense and without the puck. Lupul is super lazy! The only time he showed some pizazz about hitting and playing defense was his first game as a Duck. He's been missing since! Lupul is weaker than QP!

If I view Lupul as simply a goal scorer, then I'm content. If I expect more than that, then i'll be saddened. Hey, at least Lupul can put the puck in the net unlike Christiansen!

Koivu sounds good but dont forget Lehtinen.

heres results for the tourneys they played together.

Nagano 1998 scoring leaders:

Scoring leaders
Gp G A P
Teemu Selanne FIN 5 4 6 10
Saku Koivu FIN 6 2 8 10
Pavel Bure RUS 6 9 0 9
A. Koreshkov KAZ 7 3 6 9
Philippe Bozon FRA 4 5 2 7
K. Shafranov KAZ 7 4 3 7
Dominik Lavoie AUT 4 5 1 6
Jere Lehtinen FIN 6 4 2 6


2002 was a fiasko, koivu didnt play. Selänne had his knee issues.

2004 World Cup, leadin scoring forwards for Finland tied with 4 pts. Kimmo Timonen was best fin though. Modin won tourny scoring leader title, canada won title.


2006 Torino Scoring leaders:

1. Teemu Selänne FIN 8 6+5=11 +7
2. Saku Koivu FIN 8 3+8=11 +5
3. Daniel Alfredsson SWE 8 5+5=10 +2
4. Marian Hossa SVK 6 5+5=10 +9
5. Ville Peltonen FIN 8 4+5= 9 +4
6. Olli Jokinen FIN 8 6+2= 8 +5
7. Jere Lehtinen FIN 8 3+5= 8 +6




They all, if they stay healthy on next season will play together in 2010 vancouver aswell and probably win the scoring titles once again.

Lehtinen is person who completes the line, his selkes did not come for no reason, stop underrating him :)

Ryan - Getzlaf - Perry
Lupul - Koivu - Selanne
Lehtinen - God - Nokelainen/Carter/Miller/Brown/UFA
Nokelainen/Carter/Miller/Brown

Ryan - Getzlaf - Perry
Lupul - Koivu - Selanne
Lehtinen - God - Nokelainen/Carter/Miller/Brown/UFA
Nokelainen/Carter/Miller/Brown

That would be ****ing awesome but I doubt the Ducks can shed the salary to do that.

Pahlsson isn't coming back people, if we spend 3-4 million on a center it will be a 2nd line center, not a 3rd.

Someone will overpay to have Lehtinen on their 2nd line and he's not going to beat out any of our top 4 wingers for spots in the top 6.

The more i think of it... Saku Koivu in Ducks jersey : perfect fit.

I think he wont ask for 4 mil anymore... probably 2-3.5

Jere Lehtinen has spent his whole NHL career in Dallas. I can't think of a single reason why he'd spend his last year(s) somewhere else. Unless the Stars won't give him a contract which they will.

Jere Lehtinen has spent his whole NHL career in Dallas. I can't think of a single reason why he'd spend his last year(s) somewhere else. Unless the Stars won't give him a contract which they will.

Two obvious reasons.
1. To win another cup, something that won't happen in Dallas.
2. To play with his old linemate and buddy Saku Koivu.

Ryan - Getzlaf - Perry
Lupul - Koivu - Selanne
Lehtinen - God - Nokelainen/Carter/Miller/Brown/UFA
Nokelainen/Carter/Miller/BrownNot gonna happen.

2nd line center and 1 dman are the needs.

The more i think of it... Saku Koivu in Ducks jersey : perfect fit.

I think he wont ask for 4 mil anymore... probably 2-3.5

He made 4.75 last year, thats a pretty big pay cut. Plus the ducks wouldn't be offering more than a 1 or 2 year deal.

Two obvious reasons.
1. To win another cup, something that won't happen in Dallas.
2. To play with his old linemate and buddy Saku Koivu.

Well it's not like Ducks are a top contender either. Yes, probably closer than Dallas but if Lehtinen is out there looking for a contender, he has better option than Ducks.

Also I don't think it's THAT important for Lehtinen to play with Koivu, I'd bet that family situation is far more important to him.

We drafter a center called Joffrey Lupul 7th overall. That's pretty high for a guy who "doesn't have one attribute that would make him a good center".

There are plenty of players who play center in juniors, simply because they are the most talented forward on the team (Phil Kessel), that doesn't mean they have what it takes to play center in the NHL.

There are plenty of players who play center in juniors, simply because they are the most talented forward on the team (Phil Kessel), that doesn't mean they have what it takes to play center in the NHL.

Well what is he specifically lacking then? He is definitely more comfortable as a winger but is it about him that so obviously make him terrible as a center?

Well what is he specifically lacking then? He is definitely more comfortable as a winger but is it about him that so obviously make him terrible as a center?

He is terrible defensively and very lazy at times. Don't get me wrong, I like Lupul. I think teams need one dimensional players like Lupul to succeed, but I hope we don't put him as a center.

Well what is he specifically lacking then? He is definitely more comfortable as a winger but is it about him that so obviously make him terrible as a center?


Terrible defensively, probably hasn't been taking many faceoffs the past 7 years, and the most glaring deficiency IMO, is that he is a shoot first type player. Now, I know there are a few shoot first centers out there who are pretty damn good, but I just don't think Lupul is a strong enough playmaker/puck distributer to play center, especially when he's centering one of the best goal scorers of all time.

All that being said, I like Lupul and I'm glad he's on the team, just don't play him at center.

Actually in Philadelphia, pre the hit from his own defenseman (Hatcher?), Lupul was a surprisingly hard-working and well-rounded player. He was hitting, defending, skating. It was some kind of odd revelation. Maybe the trade gave him a much-needed kick in the butt. That Lupul might be alright at C.

I didn't see him after the hit, but Philly fans seem to indicate he regressed.

I think Drill Sargent Carlyle is the perfect coach for Lupul. He had him in 05-06 and I believe Lupul really did improve as the season went on. Carlyle is very good at motivating his players. A fully motivated Lupul is a 70 point 35 goal scorer. There is really no denying that he has skill, and has great offensive instincts.
Playing on a line with Getzlaf and Perry, or a line with Bobby in two years, he will do exceedingly well. Lupul needs a big playmaker, who possesses the puck most of the time and he succeeds remember how well he played with Penner. Lupul knows how to score and I don't really think he's that bad defensively.

I'm excited to have Lupul because I think once he matures and is properly motivated he can become a very good player. And hell hes only 26.

Anyways, we better sign Koivu, I want a stacked top six.

OT: I remember when the Oilers got Lupul, he was being interviewed and they asked him to describe his game, he said he was a hard working player, who accomplishes what he does with good defensive play and a strong forcheck. I thought that was extremely funny at the time, because that's basically the opposite of what Lupul is/was.

Lupul's contract isn't backloaded so I don't know how they would fit in Koivu with a $46 million budget, not if they want to have a solid group of defencemen.

To be honest, the Ducks can't really go after anyone because re-signing Niedermayer and giving Wisniewski and bit hefty raise would singlehandedly put the Ducks to the budget.

think Drill Sargent Carlyle is the perfect coach for Lupul. He had him in 05-06 and I believe Lupul really did improve as the season went on. Carlyle is very good at motivating his players. A fully motivated Lupul is a 70 point 35 goal scorer. There is really no denying that he has skill, and has great offensive instincts.
Playing on a line with Getzlaf and Perry, or a line with Bobby in two years, he will do exceedingly well. Lupul needs a big playmaker, who possesses the puck most of the time and he succeeds remember how well he played with Penner. Lupul knows how to score and I don't really think he's that bad defensively.

I'm excited to have Lupul because I think once he matures and is properly motivated he can become a very good player. And hell hes only 26.

Anyways, we better sign Koivu, I want a stacked top six.

OT: I remember when the Oilers got Lupul, he was being interviewed and they asked him to describe his game, he said he was a hard working player, who accomplishes what he does with good defensive play and a strong forcheck. I thought that was extremely funny at the time, because that's basically the opposite of what Lupul is/was. Totally agreed. It was just a matter of finding the right linemates for him and Lupul played extremely well with Marchant and Penner as linemates because they can both feed him the puck. I think putting him with Bobby Ryan on the 2nd line after Selanne retires is gonna be a huge insurance policy since Bobby has good enough vision and playmaking skills to feed Lupul on occasion so then we can have a 1a and 1b line.

I agree that Carlyle is the perfect coach... I remember a game two years when he benched Getzlaf for like the last ten minutes of the third period in a close game cuz he was sauntering back to the bench. and another game where he benched Perry the entire 3rd period cuz he was lazy playing defense and took a lazy penalty as a result. lupul will receive no favors from Carlyle which should be good for him.

To be honest, the Ducks can't really go after anyone because re-signing Niedermayer and giving Wisniewski and bit hefty raise would singlehandedly put the Ducks to the budget.

Totally agreed. It was just a matter of finding the right linemates for him and Lupul played extremely well with Marchant and Penner as linemates because they can both feed him the puck. I think putting him with Bobby Ryan on the 2nd line after Selanne retires is gonna be a huge insurance policy since Bobby has good enough vision and playmaking skills to feed Lupul on occasion so then we can have a 1a and 1b line.

I also think that Lupul would be great on a line with Bobby Ryan. Personally I think the best fit for the first line will be Deschamps. A fast and defensivly aware forechecker. The future top 6 of

Deschamps - Getzlaf - Perry
Bobby Ryan - Bonino - Lupul

look extremly strong.

I think Anaheims top 6 are set for the next seasons. I really like he current propect pool and I have to admit that Koivu for longer than 2 seasons is extremly unlikely and I would still prefer 1 season with the option of another.

Gomez to Montreal... Guess that means Koivu will sign elsewhere.

Gomez to Montreal... Guess that means Koivu will sign elsewhere.

You're probably right, but he could be on the 2nd line.

Kind of an "out of nowhere" trade

You're probably right, but he could be on the 2nd line.

Kind of an "out of nowhere" trade

Sather must be laughing his ass off right now. What a terrible deal for MTL.

Sather must be laughing his ass off right now. What a terrible deal for MTL.

Rangers dump salary and pick up prospects, Sather is laughing his ass off!

What other big moves are going to happen tomorrow?

Rangers dump salary and pick up prospects, Sather is laughing his ass off!

What other big moves are going to happen tomorrow?

I guess the Gomez trade was to make room for Heatley. So I guess that's the next blockbuster coming.

So...with Gomez going to Montreal now, does that mean the Ducks are in the lead to sign Koivu?


:handclap: This could be a very very awesome 2 days.

So...with Gomez going to Montreal now, does that mean the Ducks are in the lead to sign Koivu?


:handclap: This could be a very very awesome 2 days.

I really hope so, I would be very happy if it happened

I still would much rather sign another top 4 dman than Koivu...A top six consisting of Koivu instead of Ebbett wont be worth much if we have to play Sbisa/Mitera/Mikkelson/Brookbank/Salcido/Festerling in the top 4...IMO, from the playoffs last year, assuming we resign Wiz our D pairings will be something like this

Nieds-Wiz
Whitney-????
Brookbank-Sbisa

I would much rather spend a little more money on a top 4 defenseman than a 2nd line center.

My personal favorite is Dennis Siedenberg, he is experienced in playing big minutes, is somewhat physical, was good in the playoffs, and played with a very offensive defenseman in Pitkanen. I see him fitting in well alongside Whitney.

Then again, in a perfect world we sign both for around 2.5M...

Well it appears that Erik Christensen has been resigned so we will see if that has an affect on whether go push hard for Koivu or not.

Not too sure about this. Koivu to Ducks is a permarumor that keeps surfacing year after year without anything solid to back it up with really. The likes of Eklund are just hopping on the bandwagon after too many hours online, desperately connecting the dots for the next juicy rumor. Posting the rumor on hfboards is just closing the circle really. Round and round we go.

First of all, Koivu and Selanne are not bonded in birth or whatever. One is from Turku, the other from Helsinki/Espoo. That is like Montreal / Toronto to you lot. They don't hang out in the offseason or anything like that, once again both have their close knit group of friends and former playing buddies and these don't overlap. Yes they have played side by side in Team Finland a few times over the past century or so, but even that setup has lost its spark lately.

To my mind Koivu is simply not a Ducks kind of a player. Well if he could be had for a ridiculous bargain then maybe yes, sure. He could of course pull a Selanne and do just that for a shot at the Cup, and going West might be a tempting option after years and years in Habland. But failing that, I can't see Ducks chasing him with intent.

First of all, Koivu and Selanne are not bonded in birth or whatever.

Doh, just as I come up with my $0.02, Selanne is quoted in respectable Finnish broadsheet Helsingin Sanomat.

"Last season we failed because of forward depth, so that needs to be sorted. We already got Joffrey Lupul in the Pronger deal, and I think that we are going to get at least one more top class forward reinforcement."

"I have even spoken to Saku about it. It has always been great playing with him, and if we were able to play together all season, that would serve as excellent practice for the Olympics."

"However that is not something for the two of us to decide."

Link (sorry, in Finnish):
http://www.hs.fi/urheilu/jaakiekko/nhl/artikkeli/Sel%C3%A4nne+Sakun+kanssa+olisi+mahtava+pelata/1135247341002

http://www.iltalehti.fi/jaakiekko/200907019864253_jk.shtml - Selänne is talking same old stuff about Koivu/Ducks-rumour.

- I have talked about it with Saku. It's allways great to play with Saku and also it would be brilliant training when we go towards to Olympics.

- But thats not decision that we can make.

Not too sure about this. Koivu to Ducks is a permarumor that keeps surfacing year after year without anything solid to back it up with really.
I've never seen a Koivu to Ducks rumor before this season. It's always been the other way around. Selanne to the Habs because he supposedly likes Koivu more than his home in Anaheim. Although I do agree with the rest of your post.

PLEASEEEE GET ME SOME KOIVU!!! lol
That is a GREAT top 6.. hopefully.. we get the same hiller or conn smythe giggy cause if we get that.. i see a cup :)

I still would much rather sign another top 4 dman than Koivu...
Nieds-Wiz
Whitney-????
Brookbank-Sbisa


Beauchemin?

Lupul-Koivu-Selänne would not work in the long run. I can just about guarantee that. Koivu and Selänne have always had excellent chemistry, but they need a defensive winger to complement them and to create room for them in the offensive zone. Every time they've had one they've dominated (apart from the 2004 World Cup where the entire line played injured) and every time they didn't the results were less than encouraging (opening games of the 98 Olympics and 99 Worlds, 2003 Worlds as a whole and particularly 2008 Worlds which was an absolute disaster of a tournament for their line).

Separate Lupul and Selänne and Koivu could probably play well with either one of them. But not with both on the same line.

Lupul-Koivu-Selänne would not work in the long run. I can just about guarantee that. Koivu and Selänne have always had excellent chemistry, but they need a defensive winger to complement them and to create room for them in the offensive zone. Every time they've had one they've dominated (apart from the 2004 World Cup where the entire line played injured) and every time they didn't the results were less than encouraging (opening games of the 98 Olympics and 99 Worlds, 2003 Worlds as a whole and particularly 2008 Worlds which was an absolute disaster of a tournament for their line).

Separate Lupul and Selänne and Koivu could probably play well with either one of them. But not with both on the same line.

Just put B.Ryan on the line, and put Lupul on the top line.

Just put B.Ryan on the line, and put Lupul on the top line.

Yeah that's exactly what I was thinking, Ryan is both physical and skilled.

I have talked to a very close source and it looks like Murray is not going to pursue Koivu or any 2nd line center. He has been given a budget of 50 million and not a penny more. Murray's main focus is getting Marchant, Wiz and the prospects that need to be signed.
So unless Koivu is willing to play for REALLY cheap for a season I dont see him coming to the Ducks.
I do hope I am wrong though! I would love to see Koivu play with Teemu.

I have talked to a very close source and it looks like Murray is not going to pursue Koivu or any 2nd line center. He has been given a budget of 50 million and not a penny more. Murray's main focus is getting Marchant, Wiz and the prospects that need to be signed.
So unless Koivu is willing to play for REALLY cheap for a season I dont see him coming to the Ducks.
I do hope I am wrong though! I would love to see Koivu play with Teemu.

If it's between signing Marchant or a 2nd line center, how in the world would Marchant ever be a focus? He's a great guy, but in terms of a third line center, I'd rather have carter step in who has proven himself in that role before and have a legit #2 center, than rely on Ebbett/Christenson in the #2 spot full time.

So what prospects need to be signed? Festerling and Salcido, who else? Those two and their combined 150k AHL dollars aren't going to rock this boat. We're at around 43 right now, 7 not enough for Wis, Marchant and a 2nd liner?

If it's between signing Marchant or a 2nd line center, how in the world would Marchant ever be a focus? He's a great guy, but in terms of a third line center, I'd rather have carter step in who has proven himself in that role before and have a legit #2 center, than rely on Ebbett/Christenson in the #2 spot full time.

They could always get a better 2nd line center at the deadline IMO if they will they might win the cup... Owners can usually agree to go at a higher budget coming playoff time.

They could always get a better 2nd line center at the deadline IMO if they will they might win the cup... Owners can usually agree to go at a higher budget coming playoff time.

With less defense than last year, if the team doesn't make significant gains in secondary scoring they'll likely be sellers at the deadline, not buyers, and we'll be closer to a high draft pick than a Cup.

With less defense than last year, if the team doesn't make significant gains in secondary scoring they'll likely be sellers at the deadline, not buyers, and we'll be closer to a high draft pick than a Cup.

Unfortunately I think this statement is pretty close to the truth. If we don't sign a legitimate 2nd line center, and who better than Koivu for that, then we need to sign an affordable veteran stay at home defensemen to anchor us. Someone of the O'donnell mold to help ground our younger guys.


and for anything over 3 million we MUST let Beauchemin walk, it's just not worth it.

I have talked to a very close source and it looks like Murray is not going to pursue Koivu or any 2nd line center. He has been given a budget of 50 million and not a penny more. Murray's main focus is getting Marchant, Wiz and the prospects that need to be signed.
So unless Koivu is willing to play for REALLY cheap for a season I dont see him coming to the Ducks.
I do hope I am wrong though! I would love to see Koivu play with Teemu.

The budget of $50M is alright, considering our budget number is lower than our cap hit. Much better than $46M.

With less defense than last year, if the team doesn't make significant gains in secondary scoring they'll likely be sellers at the deadline, not buyers, and we'll be closer to a high draft pick than a Cup.

What do you call Joffrey Lupul?

What do you call Joffrey Lupul?

A start. But if he's the end, then this team's not going far.

A start. But if he's the end, then this team's not going far.

This team was three minutes and one goal from beating Detroit. Lupul adds 25-30 goals to our team. Yeah we lost a lot with Pronger I don't know how much of a significant second line player we can get. I think the tandem of Hiller and Giguere will off-set the loss of Pronger, at least defensively. Honestly I think we're done for the most part with offensive players. The only glaring holes we have now are our bottom-6 defensive forwards provided that we don't retain Marchant and/or Rob Niedermayer.

I honestly don't think Koivu could score much more than Andrew Ebbett. At least not value wise.

This team was three minutes and one goal from beating Detroit. Lupul adds 25-30 goals to our team.

If only it worked that way. Keep in mind, we had to scrape our way into the playoffs. 25-30 goals sounds great, but it's not like he's replacing guys who scored 0 all year, so the gain is going to be more like 10 goals, tops.

Yeah we lost a lot with Pronger I don't know how much of a significant second line player we can get. I think the tandem of Hiller and Giguere will off-set the loss of Pronger, at least defensively.

Wish I were that optimistic.

Honestly I think we're done for the most part with offensive players. The only glaring holes we have now are our bottom-6 defensive forwards provided that we don't retain Marchant and/or Rob Niedermayer.

Even if we keep them, we're going to need a lot more going on that what he had last year.

Sorry, I'm just not convinced that Lupul offsets the loss of Pronger.

I honestly don't think Koivu could score much more than Andrew Ebbett. At least not value wise.

Maybe not, but he's a proven two-way player who's been good in the playoffs. Ebbett looked totally panicked and physically overwhelmed in any remotely physical game, and no one's going to mistake him for a good defensive pivot.

If only it worked that way. Keep in mind, we had to scrape our way into the playoffs. 25-30 goals sounds great, but it's not like he's replacing guys who scored 0 all year, so the gain is going to be more like 10 goals, tops.



Wish I were that optimistic.



Even if we keep them, we're going to need a lot more going on that what he had last year.

Sorry, I'm just not convinced that Lupul offsets the loss of Pronger.



Maybe not, but he's a proven two-way player who's been good in the playoffs. Ebbett looked totally panicked and physically overwhelmed in any remotely physical game, and no one's going to mistake him for a good defensive pivot.

Bare in mind that was Ebbett's first time in the playoffs playing against the two best teams in the West. Everyone completely forgets the work he did in the regular season. particularly the chemistry he had with Teemu.

But aside from all of that. how are we supposed to acquire someone like Koivu? We can barely afford to re-sign Wisniewski and Marchant, how are we going to sign Koivu? Anyone who thinks he's going to sign some super cheap, one-year deal is dreaming. Ebbett could very well put up 50-60 points next year making 500K. Find me a better deal than that.

We have 5 Top-6 forwards right now, bona fide. Most teams would be plenty pleases with that. We have three D-men we know will put up solid numbers in Scotty, Whits and Wiz and for all we know Sbisa may chip in quite a bit. We have as strong a goalie tandem in the league with Jiggy and Hiller. Plus retaining Wisniewski is more important than getting a second line center right now and we can't do that until Wiz is under contract.

I have talked to a very close source and it looks like Murray is not going to pursue Koivu or any 2nd line center. He has been given a budget of 50 million and not a penny more. Murray's main focus is getting Marchant, Wiz and the prospects that need to be signed.
So unless Koivu is willing to play for REALLY cheap for a season I dont see him coming to the Ducks.
I do hope I am wrong though! I would love to see Koivu play with Teemu.
50 makes more sense than 46. It was what I was expecting.


And I count 4 bona fide top 6 guys. Lupul is not "bona fide." He fits in the top 6, but in a complementary role.

Bare in mind that was Ebbett's first time in the playoffs playing against the two best teams in the West. Everyone completely forgets the work he did in the regular season. particularly the chemistry he had with Teemu.

I never buy the "1st time in the playoffs," excuse. Almost any guy who's consistently good in the playoffs, you can tell pretty early on that he's not afraid. They fight through things. Ebbett went the opposite way, he got more and more timid. I saw nothing from him or Christensen to indicate they have the fire in their belly that's going to be needed if we're going to survive with less defense than last year.

But aside from all of that. how are we supposed to acquire someone like Koivu? We can barely afford to re-sign Wisniewski and Marchant, how are we going to sign Koivu? Anyone who thinks he's going to sign some super cheap, one-year deal is dreaming. Ebbett could very well put up 50-60 points next year making 500K. Find me a better deal than that.

You're right, he should be a good deal. But a good deal doesn't mean he makes for anything more than a mediocre 2nd line center, and for a team with any aspirations of going deep in the playoffs he's seriously subpar.

He'll score just fine in the regular season, against teams that play marginal defense. And that's all you'll get. He'll put up the 50 most useless points you'll ever see.

I never buy the "1st time in the playoffs," excuse. Almost any guy who's consistently good in the playoffs, you can tell pretty early on that he's not afraid. They fight through things. Ebbett went the opposite way, he got more and more timid. I saw nothing from him or Christensen to indicate they have the fire in their belly that's going to be needed if we're going to survive with less defense than last year.

Corey Perry's first time in the playoffs he had 0 goals and just 3 assists and ended up being replaced in the lineup by Travis Moen. It is not uncommon for rookies to get a reality check in the playoffs and then bounce back their next time around.



You're right, he should be a good deal. But a good deal doesn't mean he makes for anything more than a mediocre 2nd line center, and for a team with any aspirations of going deep in the playoffs he's seriously subpar.

He'll score just fine in the regular season, against teams that play marginal defense. And that's all you'll get. He'll put up the 50 most useless points you'll ever see.

How is 50 points he could score any different than 50 points Koivu or anyone else can score? As long as he wins us games that's all that matters. Teemu was pretty neutralized in the playoffs as well when he wasn't on the PP.

Plus the difference between Koivu and Ebbett last season was minsicule. Koivu's PPG was .77, Ebbett's was .67. Over 82 games thats a difference of 63 points to 55. Marginal difference. Now it's not for sure either of these players would or could put up exactly these numbers but what is for sure is we already have Ebbett and some moves would be required to get Koivu.

50 makes more sense than 46. It was what I was expecting.


And I count 4 bona fide top 6 guys. Lupul is not "bona fide." He fits in the top 6, but in a complementary role.

Joffrey Lupul isn't a bona fide top 6 forward? Are you insane? He's very much a top six forward. The guy can probably score in the 25-35 range and put up 50+ points. If that isn't a bona fide top six guy, then I don't know what is.

Corey Perry's first time in the playoffs he had 0 goals and just 3 assists and ended up being replaced in the lineup by Travis Moen. It is not uncommon for rookies to get a reality check in the playoffs and then bounce back their next time around.

Perry didn't become a spineless wuss, throwing the puck away because he was scared of being hit. It's not about the points, it's about showing some fight. Perry wasn't great, but he wasn't gutless either, he battled out there. Ebbett showed me nothing except fear; the only way it could have been worse is if he'd started calling for his mommy.

How is 50 points he could score any different than 50 points Koivu or anyone else can score? As long as he wins us games that's all that matters. Teemu was pretty neutralized in the playoffs as well when he wasn't on the PP.

Not all points are the same. Didn't watching Kariya get 80-90 some-odd points that had little impact on games for all those years demonstrate that concept clearly enough? How and when you get points matters as much or more than how many. There were plenty of guys who scored less than him in those days, who I'd have traded him for in a heartbeat. Same with Ebbett. Those types of players will get you a fair amount of easy points ... but they'll get you a big fat zero when you need to manufacture goals in a grind-it-out game.

Teemu is proven ... put him with someone besides two scrubs and he'd have been fine. Ebbett, even playing with Teemu, wasn't worth dick. Ebbett, even playing with Selanne and backed by a great defense, couldn't do anything of note for two series.

If Ebbett's a buddy of yours, my apologies, it's nothing personal. It's just that I think he's inadequate unless we have no designs on contending this year whatsoever, and we're just going to bide our time for a few years until Bonino/Holland/whoever is ready.

Plus the difference between Koivu and Ebbett last season was minsicule. Koivu's PPG was .77, Ebbett's was .67. Over 82 games thats a difference of 63 points to 55. Marginal difference. Now it's not for sure either of these players would or could put up exactly these numbers but what is for sure is we already have Ebbett and some moves would be required to get Koivu.

Sorry Points aren't everything. Koivu is:

1) Much better defensively
2) Better in the faceoffs
3) Better chemistry w/ Selanne

Ebbet is much better suited playing the wing or in a much 3rd line scorer role. I'm not arguing point production, but the lets not kid ourselves either.

Ebbett did score the majority of his points last year against teams like Colorado though. I worked it out after the season finished he had something like 0.75 PPG against non playoff teams compared to 0.48 against playoff teams. I'm recalling those numbers off the top of my head so they may not be accurate, I'll work it out again later.

Perry didn't become a spineless wuss, throwing the puck away because he was scared of being hit. It's not about the points, it's about showing some fight. Perry wasn't great, but he wasn't gutless either, he battled out there. Ebbett showed me nothing except fear; the only way it could have been worse is if he'd started calling for his mommy.



Not all points are the same. Didn't watching Kariya get 80-90 some-odd points that had little impact on games for all those years demonstrate that concept clearly enough? How and when you get points matters as much or more than how many. There were plenty of guys who scored less than him in those days, who I'd have traded him for in a heartbeat. Same with Ebbett. Those types of players will get you a fair amount of easy points ... but they'll get you a big fat zero when you need to manufacture goals in a grind-it-out game.

Teemu is proven ... put him with someone besides two scrubs and he'd have been fine. Ebbett, even playing with Teemu, wasn't worth dick. Ebbett, even playing with Selanne and backed by a great defense, couldn't do anything of note for two series.

If Ebbett's a buddy of yours, my apologies, it's nothing personal. It's just that I think he's inadequate unless we have no designs on contending this year whatsoever, and we're just going to bide our time for a few years until Bonino/Holland/whoever is ready.

Ha, no Ebbett is not a buddy of mine. In fact I'm not a particular fan of his. It's just I'm a fan of Wisniewski and Marchant and I can't imagine how we're going to retain the two signing a free agent like Koivu or Comrie or whoever. If the circumstances were different I would take a Koivu or a Comrie over Ebbett everyday of the week. It's just that I feel it's not possible and unnecessary to do so.

I do agree that whomever has the second like spot is just a place holder until Bonino is ready. This kid is the real deal and I think he'll be our second line center in a year or two at the most.

Ha, no Ebbett is not a buddy of mine. In fact I'm not a particular fan of his. It's just I'm a fan of Wisniewski and Marchant and I can't imagine how we're going to retain the two signing a free agent like Koivu or Comrie or whoever. If the circumstances were different I would take a Koivu or a Comrie over Ebbett everyday of the week. It's just that I feel it's not possible and unnecessary to do so.

Not possible, I could see. But unnecessary ... well, I'd rather lose Marchant to be honest. 2nd line center is more important than 3rd line center, especially since we're going to be much more reliant on offense this year than last with Pronger's departure. Most of our young centers who might step in I could see as decent 3rd liners this coming season ... but none of them look remotely adequate for 2nd line duty barring some sort of miraculous surprise.

I do agree that whomever has the second like spot is just a place holder until Bonino is ready. This kid is the real deal and I think he'll be our second line center in a year or two at the most.

I agree, Bonino's our guy down the road ... that's why I think Koivu for 1-2 years is a perfect solution. I'm not willing to essentially waste Teemu's last season by playing him with a guy who's merely a somewhat better version of Krog.

But hey, who knows, maybe you're right, keep the 3rd line and D intact as much as possible, and maybe some kid shocks us in camp and earns a contract. Every year there seems to be at least one guy picked like 12th to 40th who blows people away at camp and makes a team right away, maybe it's our turn to get lucky. We've never had someone like a Bergeron or Gagne or something like that happen to us, we're probably due. I wouldn't hold my breath though.

Joffrey Lupul isn't a bona fide top 6 forward? Are you insane? He's very much a top six forward. The guy can probably score in the 25-35 range and put up 50+ points. If that isn't a bona fide top six guy, then I don't know what is.
I guess what I meant was, he's a top six guy, but not a drive-the-results type top six guy. Lupul would be relying on other players to drive his results. Not just results as in points, but he doesn't drive anything. Such as Kunitz, who would drive the forechecking and defense. Hence the complementary tag.

Not possible, I could see. But unnecessary ... well, I'd rather lose Marchant to be honest. 2nd line center is more important than 3rd line center, especially since we're going to be much more reliant on offense this year than last with Pronger's departure. Most of our young centers who might step in I could see as decent 3rd liners this coming season ... but none of them look remotely adequate for 2nd line duty barring some sort of miraculous surprise.

I think the importance of someone like Marchant is critical to this team's success. I'm not confident Nokelainen can the role as well as Marchant. Carter isn't a center, I'm convinced of that now. Wirtanen may be down the road but he has all of 3 games of NHL experience. The going rate for a top-notch defensive center was set today with the signings of Pahlsson and Madden and it's too steep. I fear losing Marchant and Robbie Niedermayer will hurt this team worse than missing out on a second line center.

Someone on the Ducks board says Toronto Radio is saying we signed Koivu. If he is lyings, he deserves a kick in the A!

Not too sure about this. Koivu to Ducks is a permarumor that keeps surfacing year after year without anything solid to back it up with really. The likes of Eklund are just hopping on the bandwagon after too many hours online, desperately connecting the dots for the next juicy rumor. Posting the rumor on hfboards is just closing the circle really. Round and round we go.

First of all, Koivu and Selanne are not bonded in birth or whatever. One is from Turku, the other from Helsinki/Espoo. That is like Montreal / Toronto to you lot. They don't hang out in the offseason or anything like that, once again both have their close knit group of friends and former playing buddies and these don't overlap. Yes they have played side by side in Team Finland a few times over the past century or so, but even that setup has lost its spark lately.

To my mind Koivu is simply not a Ducks kind of a player. Well if he could be had for a ridiculous bargain then maybe yes, sure. He could of course pull a Selanne and do just that for a shot at the Cup, and going West might be a tempting option after years and years in Habland. But failing that, I can't see Ducks chasing him with intent.
Yep I agree - Koivu just never did it for me in Montreal.

I think the importance of someone like Marchant is critical to this team's success. I'm not confident Nokelainen can the role as well as Marchant. Carter isn't a center, I'm convinced of that now. Wirtanen may be down the road but he has all of 3 games of NHL experience. The going rate for a top-notch defensive center was set today with the signings of Pahlsson and Madden and it's too steep. I fear losing Marchant and Robbie Niedermayer will hurt this team worse than missing out on a second line center.

I'd rather have to trade for a veteran checker at the deadline, than have to try to get a 2nd line center.

I've never seen a Koivu to Ducks rumor before this season. It's always been the other way around. Selanne to the Habs because he supposedly likes Koivu more than his home in Anaheim.

Yeah you are right about that, I was jumping to conclusions but the underlying premise is precisely that.

To carry on with the topic, more Selanne quotes from today's paper (print edition, so no online source for now). He is in Helsinki attending the annual "Bermuda" tennis tournament (a 29-year hockey tradition) with fellow players including Ville Peltonen, Valtteri Filppula, and fresh AHL champs Oskar Osala and Sami Lepisto.

"When you're 39 you shouldn't belong to NHL. It's a place for young boys to play."

"As a figure, 39 years is a whopping age for a hockey player. But, on the other hand. I am physically fit, my mind is young, and I have plenty of activities. You can extend your playing career with the right diet, rest and muscle care."

"Without a doubt, I am looking at my last season. As I have grown older, I have maintained that hockey will come to an end eventually. Now I am sticking to that."

"In Vancouver, I have no problem with any role whatsoever. Team Finland strength has always been role-setting that has been accepted by players without grudges. We are not like Russia that has four first lines."

"Everyone else is feeling the pressure, and that is fine for Finland. The greatest hockey tournament of all time awaits in Vancouver."

About Saku: "Our chemistry has worked well in Team Finland. It would be interesting to see how much we could refine our cooperation, if we were to play together every day."

On IIHF WC in Germany: "I quit Worlds after the bronze in Quebec 08. I figured then that it is for younger guys to play in. Going there straight from NHL is double overtime. I am dead certain that Worlds are over for me."

Sounds like the Wild are gonna get Koivu, they're still working on a contract with him but I highly doubt the Ducks get him, especially after reading Bob Murrays comments. Guess we're either stuck with Ebbett again or we'll have to give up assets in a trade.

To summarize, the way that Teemu keeps returning to Saku day after day is a bit conspicuous. Sure it is partly due to reporters asking him the question, but he's definitely willing to talk about it. No smoke without fire etc.

My $0.02 has to be that agents are talking all right behind the scenes, but whether that is for real is anybody's guess. The asking price must be a key issue. Would Saku be willing to pull a Selanne and go for broke?

Sakku will be with the Wild tomorrow. I don't have any sources or anything, but just from all the info I've read today, it sounds like it was between three teams: Montreal, Minnesota, and Anaheim. When Montreal did all the crazy contracts today it took them off of the list, and Anaheim can't offer as much money as Minnesota can. Plus his brother is there. I realize that Teemu and him played together, but I think he'll choose his brother over Teemu. I think all the Teemu talk is him just trying to persuade Murray to sign him.

Sounds like the Ducks might have to just stick with Ebbett or look at cheaper options. Who's left to play 2nd line center in free agency other than koivu? Lang?

My fingers are crossed that he ends up with you guys in Anaheim.

I'm a little upset that he looks to be done with my Habs... but there's no doubting he'd be a great fit with the Ducks.

Here's hoping!

Comrie is still left but if the Ducks sign him I'll be ****ed off.

For those of you who want Ebbett on our second line next year, here are his stats against playoff and non playoff teams last year:

GP G A Pts +/-
Non playoff teams 28 7 15 22 4
Playoff teams 20 1 9 10 4

He was playing at a 20 goal 64 pace against non playoff teams and a 4 goal 40 point pace against those who made the playoffs, with 1 assist in the 5 games he played against Detroit and San Jose. He scored 13 of his 32 points in 8 games against Dallas, Colorado and Atlanta.

Ebbett hasn't proven much to be as far as being a solid 2nd line center. It worries me if we go into the season with that being the plan.

Or we go with who Murray is trying to get, Mike Comrie
small but gritty and imo could be a steal

Comrie's point total last season is kind of a concern.

since when is Murray trying to get comrie. that would be the worst signing off the offseason, regardless of dollar amount.

Comries attitude and work ethic are also concerns, he's a *********. Couldn't even play at a 40 point pace despite being on two offense starved teams this year. I'd rather Christensen on our second line than Comrie and that's saying alot.

Yeah, there's really no point to getting Comrie; switching him and Ebbett makes almost zero difference in our playoff chances. If we can't fix the 2nd line, we might as well start planning for '10-11, because contending next season will be a pipe dream. You can't go far with just one great line, and being okay but nothing special everywhere else.

If we can't address the blatant need for a second line centre then what was the point in trading Pronger? The trade for Lupul and Sbisa only saves $1M and makes us no better offensively (the goals that Lupul provide won't offset the amount of offense we lose from Pronger on the PP and in transition). Unless Murray is looking at the future and has no intention of competing next year.

I think Anaheim has a better chance to win the cup next year than Minnesota. That could be a deciding factor if the offered contracts aren't that far from each other.

Would you take Saku at 3-3,5 million per season for a year or two?

I doubt Minnesota could offer him more than a 4-4.5m and I'm sure if he thinks Ducks have a much better shot at the cup he would take less money to try win it in his last years.

I would like Saku with Teemu in Anaheim better than with Mikko in Minnesota. Mikko has just grown out of his brothers shadow and is the face of the franchise now. Saku going to Minnesota could just mix things up in the wrong direction.

FWIW, the word from Minny: "The team expects a decision from Saku Koivu in the morning, sources say."

Link:
http://blogs2.startribune.com/blogs/wildblog/

Living in Wisconsin I know a little bit about the star tribune, and thats don't believe what they say. I've seen them make mistakes like that covering the Twins, Vikings, and Timberwolves.

I'm holding out hope that Saku signs here because he wants a cup. If he signs in Minnesota I don't think he'll get it.

unless koivu wants to sign for less than $2 mil for 1 year then he isnt coming here. Ducks wont be spending over $50 mil this season.

unless koivu wants to sign for less than $2 mil for 1 year then he isnt coming here. Ducks wont be spending over $50 mil this season.

Actually if we signed him to a 2 year deal we could solve that issue. Let him earn $1.5mil this year and $4mil next year when we won't have Teemu and Scotty anymore.

don't know how old he is but maybe we can get him that 2 million a yr deal plus some bonuses?

We have just under 8 million left to spend. Unless there is more than one d-man still coming we have plenty of room to go 3.5 for Koivu.

Seems like some people read "budget" as "can't sign anybody unless it's ultra cheap".

don't know how old he is but maybe we can get him that 2 million a yr deal plus some bonuses?

few months too young to qualify for the Scotty & Teemu types of deals.

We have just under 8 million left to spend. Unless there is more than one d-man still coming we have plenty of room to go 3.5 for Koivu.

Seems like some people read "budget" as "can't sign anybody unless it's ultra cheap".

We are already above $43 mil with Scotty signed... Add Wisniewski, Marchant and possibly Rob.. and we need a stay at home defenseman IMO... Even if we don't get Rob and Marchant, I expect us to replace one of them.

That means... It's Wisniewski + stay at home guy + defensive forward (Marchant or/and Rob or someone else). Those players can be filled with $7 mil if we are going with a $50 mil budget, but adding a 2nd line center like Koivu to that? I doubt it...

We are already above $43 mil with Scotty signed... Where are your numbers from and who do you have included in them?

Getzy
Perry
Ryan
Lupes
Teemu
Ebbett
Miller
Nokelainen
Brown
Carter
Parros
Christensen

Nieds
Whitney
Sbisa
Mikkelson
Brookbank

Giggy
Hiller

Comes to 42.2M in salary, not cap hit.

We could do 2.5 for Wis, 1.5 for a bottom-6 guy and 3.5 for koivu and still be well under.

Where are your numbers from and who do you have included in them?

Getzy
Perry
Ryan
Lupes
Teemu
Ebbett
Miller
Nokelainen
Brown
Carter
Parros
Christensen

Nieds
Whitney
Sbisa
Mikkelson
Brookbank

Giggy
Hiller

Comes to 42.2M in salary, not cap hit.

We could do 2.5 for Wis, 1.5 for a bottom-6 guy and 3.5 for koivu and still be well under.

I'm including Bertuzzi. But maybe we don't pay him actual salary? Is he just up against our cap and Calgary pays his whole salary?
However, I think a guy Jason Williams is what we might be able to get.

I'm including Bertuzzi. But maybe we don't pay him actual salary? Is he just up against our cap and Calgary pays his whole salary?
That's a good question i've previously had a hard time getting a straight answer to. I think it would make sense that it's a chunk of money rather than spread over the years, paying a guy to play on other teams long after he's gone. But as said, i'm not sure sure.

If we do have to pay him 1.3 next season still it messes things up a bit.

That's a good question i've previously had a hard time getting a straight answer to. I think it would make sense that it's a chunk of money rather than spread over the years, paying a guy to play on other teams long after he's gone. But as said, i'm not sure sure.

If we do have to play him 1.3 next season still it messes things up a bit.

I've been fishing for an answer and think I have one...

The cap hit becomes twice the lenght of the remaining years of the contract with 1/3 of it's value...

However, the actual salary is not payed monthwise. The player gets all the money he was supposed to recieve at the same time.

So... with that said, you do pay actual salary to a bought out player. However, since all the money is payed at the same time the Ducks should already have payed Bertuzzi a year ago.

can anyone confirm this?

That's a good question i've previously had a hard time getting a straight answer to. I think it would make sense that it's a chunk of money rather than spread over the years, paying a guy to play on other teams long after he's gone. But as said, i'm not sure sure.

If we do have to play him 1.3 next season still it messes things up a bit.

I doubt it's a lump sum of money. What does the team do in the event he decides to retire before his contract is over? Ask for the money back?

I doubt it's a lump sum of money. What does the team do in the event he decides to retire before his contract is over? Ask for the money back?
Well, after the contract is bought out, there is no contract anymore. Besides, even if the payment is yearly i still think it has to be made retired or not.

The actual payments go hand in hand with the salary cap numbers so Bertuzzi will still get money from Ducks.

The actual payments go hand in hand with the salary cap numbers so Bertuzzi will still get money from Ducks.

Not that I doubt you on this but do you have know where it says this in the CBA (or elsewhere)? It's a question that comes up from time to time on these boards and having a definitive link would be handy. Cheers

Edit: I guess it would also mean we would be pretty shafted if the budget included the $1.333m within it

I had assumed buyouts were lump sums, but it doesn't look like it:
If the Club elects to terminate this SPC pursuant to this Paragraph 13, it shall be obligated to pay to the Player, in equal semi-monthly installments, to be paid in accordance with the payroll payment schedule applicable to the Club's Active Roster, over twice the remaining term of the SPC (the "Buy-Out Period"):
Now I'm no lawyer, but that looks to me like the payments are spread out over the term.

Source is paragraph 13 of exhibit 1 (the SPC).

PS: I figured it out again. The NHLPA CBA is the one with the table of contents, which is useful. But the NHL.com one is the one that you can select and copy text from. Annoying as hell.

Or maybe the number the ducks gave out was lower than we expected because of this...

I think stressing about 1 or 2 million makes no sense if you get good value on your investment.

However if the rumor that Koivu is asking for a 4 year deal is true, I don't like our chances.

My feeling is Koivu will be too $$$ for us. We should move on and start bargain shopping with the rest of the UFAs. Try and get as much value we can with our space. 1 or 2 year deals only.

doing 1-2 year deals is good idea if you can spend maxium cap number each year which ducks cant so ideally we need guys with longer contracts to get them cheaper. I think Koivu is guaranteed 2nd line center for upcomming atleast 3-4 years so if we can offer that to him, we should. He can center Ryan in future and Holland can replace him at some point, maybe. All points considered Koivu fits for Ducks and Ducks fit for Koivu since we put contender up every year. If Koivu goes to minnesota he can say farewell for stanley cup dream ..

I had assumed buyouts were lump sums, but it doesn't look like it:

Now I'm no lawyer, but that looks to me like the payments are spread out over the term.

Source is paragraph 13 of exhibit 1 (the SPC).

PS: I figured it out again. The NHLPA CBA is the one with the table of contents, which is useful. But the NHL.com one is the one that you can select and copy text from. Annoying as hell.

Cheers. In that case I'll update the cap thread as I had the buyout down as no salary. (Given this is the case, Alexei Yashin is the fourth highest earner for the Isles)

doing 1-2 year deals is good idea if you can spend maxium cap number each year which ducks cant so ideally we need guys with longer contracts to get them cheaper. I think Koivu is guaranteed 2nd line center for upcomming atleast 3-4 years so if we can offer that to him, we should. He can center Ryan in future and Holland can replace him at some point, maybe. All points considered Koivu fits for Ducks and Ducks fit for Koivu since we put contender up every year. If Koivu goes to minnesota he can say farewell for stanley cup dream ..

The problem would be if he proves to be ineffective down the road. Paying someone money like that to be in the bottom 6 may be acceptable if you're spending to the cap (such as we have with Marchant the last two years) but we'd really suffer if the payroll is significantly below the cap. And I agree with caliamad when they said that having cap space next summer is going to be a large advantage if the cap drops. Plus Ryan and Hiller (provided he's around) will both be looking for raises next summer

Saku Koivu interviewed in today's edition of tabloid Ilta-Sanomat. No final decision on future team just yet. Saku is enjoying Ruisrock festival in his hometown Turku with brother Mikko.

"I have received some offers and have negotiated with a few teams. Talks have progressed and are looking good. However I am going to proceed with restraint."

"My most important criterium is to join a team that is ready, not an organisation that is rebuilding. At this stage of my career I want to play for a team that can succeed. Family matters are of course a factor as well, but the main thrill for me is the chance of success."

Note: no mention of multiyear deals, just the focus on Cup chance. Considering Saku has not jumped on Minny's supposedly generous deal, the race looks still to be very much on.

Link (in Finnish):
http://www.iltasanomat.fi/urheilu/uutinen.asp?id=1707510

Koivu is presented with two offers. A generous multiyear deal from Minnesota to play with his brother but also go to an organization in the middle of a rebuilt. Or go to Anaheim where he is offered a one year deal for probably 2 million dollars but he gets to play with Teemu and compete for a cup. At this late stage in Koivu's career, Koivu should go with us but times again has proven that the player will go where the money is offered.

Koivu is presented with two offers. A generous multiyear deal from Minnesota to play with his brother but also go to an organization in the middle of a rebuilt. Or go to Anaheim where he is offered a one year deal for probably 2 million dollars but he gets to play with Teemu and compete for a cup. At this late stage in Koivu's career, Koivu should go with us but times again has proven that the player will go where the money is offered.

Speculation on your part or you know something the rest of us don't?

Also, if that is the case, I could see Saku come here over Minnesota. This is his last chance to play NHL hockey with Teemu, and it'll not only let them gear up for the Olympics, but it's also his best shot at a cup. He can likely go to Minnesota after, especially if he and Teemu have a great year(which they definitely could, especially if QP's on their line).

i think the longer it takes for him to decide, the better Anaheim's chances. hopefully Teemu is puttin the pressure on him.

i think the longer it takes for him to decide, the better Anaheim's chances. hopefully Teemu is puttin the pressure on him.

me too, but it seems like his brother would be pressuring him right now since they are hanging out together.

Speculation on your part or you know something the rest of us don't?

Also, if that is the case, I could see Saku come here over Minnesota. This is his last chance to play NHL hockey with Teemu, and it'll not only let them gear up for the Olympics, but it's also his best shot at a cup. He can likely go to Minnesota after, especially if he and Teemu have a great year(which they definitely could, especially if QP's on their line).

I haven't heard that rumor that Jerky is talking about, but Spectors is saying that it doesn't appear that Koivu is very interested in playing with the Wild. Good news for us. We need three more moves.

Resign Wiz 2.5 million.
Resign Beauchemin for 3.5 million
Sign Koivu for 2.7 million.

Yeah it's a little over budget, but not by much. Maybe the owners won't mind since it's Teemu's last year.

Lineup:
Lupul-Getzlaf-Perry
Ryan-Koivu-Selanne
Christensen-Ebbett-Nokke
Parros-Carter-Brown
Miller

S.Niedermayer-Wiz
Beauchemin-Whitney
Sbisa-Brookbank
Salcdio

Jiggy/Hiller

Please Murray:D

In all seriousness though, this lineup is extremely unlikely. We only have about 7 million left for budget, and we still haven't resigned Wiz. Things aren't looking so good for us.

Mostly speculation from what I have read from rumors around. I do believe Anaheim is only offering 1 year knowing that Teemu is retiring after this season. I am sure Koivu would like a multiyear contract.

Mostly speculation from what I have read from rumors around. I do believe Anaheim is only offering 1 year knowing that Teemu is retiring after this season. I am sure Koivu would like a multiyear contract.This is very possible but I think Koivu will not get a 3 to 4 year deal from nowhere. Plus he wants to go to a contender team. So maybe he is looking something around 2 year deal...

And I wouldn´t be surprised if he lands in the East Coast.

Maybe Teemu just have to put pedal to the metal and drive Saku around in the rally car and stop the car when Saku says yes to Anaheim :laugh:

I'd give Koivu more than one year. We'll need a second line center next year too and all of our prospects are at least two years away.

I'd even go 4 years but only for a significantly lower cap number.

4 years/11M (3.5 ,3.5 ,3 ,1) 2.75 cap hit

I'd give Koivu more than one year. We'll need a second line center next year too and all of our prospects are at least two years away.

I'd even go 4 years but only for a significantly lower cap number.

4 years/11M (3.5 ,3.5 ,3 ,1) 2.75 cap hit

4 years?!? Are you serious? No way should we sign him for 4 years. Two I'd be fine with, but three would pushing it. His cap hit would have to be around 2 million if they sign him for 3 years. I say hell no to anything over that though.

Maybe Teemu just have to put pedal to the metal and drive Saku around in the rally car and stop the car when Saku says yes to Anaheim :laugh:

Brilliant idea, although I don't think Teemu wants soiled seats;)

I'd give Koivu more than one year. We'll need a second line center next year too and all of our prospects are at least two years away.

I'd even go 4 years but only for a significantly lower cap number.

4 years/11M (3.5 ,3.5 ,3 ,1) 2.75 cap hit

That's not a legal contract...the amount cannot decrease by more than half from one year to the next...

That's not a legal contract...the amount cannot decrease by more than half from one year to the next...It is.. the amount can't drop more than 50% of the amount paid over the first 2 years of the contract. So it can drop 3.5 between years.

4 years?!? Are you serious? No way should we sign him for 4 years. Two I'd be fine with, but three would pushing it. His cap hit would have to be around 2 million if they sign him for 3 years. I say hell no to anything over that though.
I guess i'm trying to be realistic. Two million won't be even close to getting it done.

I guess i'm trying to be realistic. Two million won't be even close to getting it done.

Which is exactly why I don't think he signs here unless we either don't sign another defensemen (which will kill our chances next year), or make a trade to clear some space. We simply just don't have enough room under the budget to resign Wiz, sign another top 4, and sign a 2nd line center. Personally I think the priorities should be Wiz and signing another top 4 defensemen.

Which is exactly why I don't think he signs here unless we either don't sign another defensemen (which will kill our chances next year), or make a trade to clear some space. We simply just don't have enough room under the budget to resign Wiz, sign another top 4, and sign a 2nd line center. Personally I think the priorities should be Wiz and signing another top 4 defensemen.

Yeah, just like how we kept under the $50 million budget last year and couldn't sign anyone.

And even so, I don't think it'll be difficult. We're looking at probably $2.5 million tops(and that might be a stretch) for Wiz, anywhere in the $1.5-3 range for another defenseman and anywhere from $2.5-4 for a second line center. Worst case scenario there we add on $9.5 million, which isn't that much over budget, and again that's worst case scenario. Realistically I see us spending a total package of about $7 million for those three players, whoever they may be, and I don't think the Samuelli's will have any problems spending that.

Yeah, just like how we kept under the $50 million budget last year and couldn't sign anyone.

And even so, I don't think it'll be difficult. We're looking at probably $2.5 million tops(and that might be a stretch) for Wiz, anywhere in the $1.5-3 range for another defenseman and anywhere from $2.5-4 for a second line center. Worst case scenario there we add on $9.5 million, which isn't that much over budget, and again that's worst case scenario. Realistically I see us spending a total package of about $7 million for those three players, whoever they may be, and I don't think the Samuelli's will have any problems spending that.

I hope you're right. I just don't see us going over the budget two years in a row. Do I hope we do? Hell yeah, I hope we go way over it, but I don't think we will. If I'm correct, then we're about 7 million under the 50 million dollar budget. For arguments sake, let's just say that we resign Wiz for 2.5 million a season. That leaves us with about 4.5 million to do the following:
-Resign Festerling and Salcido
-Add another top 4 defensemen
-Add a second line center
-And possibly try and bring back Marchant.

Even with out adding Marchant, there's no way that we do all that and stay under the budget. Hopefully we can go over the budget, but like I said earlier I don't think ownership will let us do that two years in a row. That is why these problems and Murray's hesitance to sign any UFAs, not to mention our RFAs, make me think that he's waiting on something. A trade to go through, a player's decision, who knows.

I don't know if the Samuelis still have any share in Broadcom, but their stock has been doing excellent this year, so if they do, I'm sure going over budget a few million won't bother them (one can hope!) :D

It is.. the amount can't drop more than 50% of the amount paid over the first 2 years of the contract. So it can drop 3.5 between years.
The way I read the clause it says it can't drop more than 50% of the (lower of) the salary per year of the first 2 years. So it can drop a max of 1.75 million.

The way I read the clause it says it can't drop more than 50% of the (lower of) the salary per year of the first 2 years. So it can drop a max of 1.75 million.

Yep, from the CBA FAQ's (http://www.nhlscap.com/cap_faq.htm#100pct) section on nhlscap

Example 2: An SPC provides for $1M in Year 1 and $2M in Year 2. The lower of these two amounts is $1M, so Year 3 cannot provide for more than $3M or less than $1.5M.

ie year 3 cannot have an increase in year 2 of more than 100% of the lowest annual salary of the first two years of the contract ($1m)
there also cannot be a decrease by more than 50% of the lowest annual salary of the first two years of the contract ($0.5m)

The way I read the clause it says it can't drop more than 50% of the (lower of) the salary per year of the first 2 years. So it can drop a max of 1.75 million.That's exactly what i meant. Really, it was, honestly.

What i said:
"It is.. the amount can't drop more than 50% of the amount paid over the first 2 years of the contract. So it can drop 3.5 between years."

Clearly that says Bjindaho was right and that the numbers were illegal and have to be adjusted accordigly.

So 3.5, 3.5, 2.75, 1.25 would be the correct structure.


:sarcasm:

Clearly ;)

How about Mats Sundin? If he is gonna play, he would come cheaper than Koivu. Sundin badly wants to win the SC, and next season sure will be his last no matter if he turns out winning it or not. So with other words, Sundin would take a nice paycut to come to a contender.

How about Mats Sundin? If he is gonna play, he would come cheaper than Koivu. Sundin badly wants to win the SC, and next season sure will be his last no matter if he turns out winning it or not. So with other words, Sundin would take a nice paycut to come to a contender.


OMG, just stop, ok?

OMG, just stop, ok?

lol, there was a reason I didn't post a new thread for this :laugh:.

Just saying, if Sundin is going to play, I don't see why the Ducks would be in any worse position signing him than Koivu.

How about Mats Sundin? If he is gonna play, he would come cheaper than Koivu. Sundin badly wants to win the SC, and next season sure will be his last no matter if he turns out winning it or not. So with other words, Sundin would take a nice paycut to come to a contender.A paycut? Like in Vancouver... :sarcasm:

Though Sundin or Koivu are better options than Ebbett.

How about Mats Sundin? If he is gonna play, he would come cheaper than Koivu. Sundin badly wants to win the SC, and next season sure will be his last no matter if he turns out winning it or not. So with other words, Sundin would take a nice paycut to come to a contender.

Link (http://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/blogs/2009/07/06/murphy_canucks_summer/)

From what I've been told Mats is done. And not just with the Canucks. Expect the big Swede to call it a career sometime in the near future. It's my understanding that Sundin really isn't mulling over whether or not to return right now. He made up his decision shortly after the Canucks season ended.

From looking at the main board thread there's a bit of scepticism about the source but it should put this suggestion to bed...

Sundin is jsut downright SLOW and awful.. I dont think he'd help the ducks out very much.. the only thing hes good at would be faceoffs... However a full training camp might change that...
I still prefer koivu though

Saku Koivu signed with the Ducks a 1 year deal according to Finnish tv channel MTV3...hmmm...don´t believe it until it´s confirmed... that channel ain´t the most reliable source to these news but let´s see and hope it´s true :D

http://www.iltasanomat.fi/urheilu/t/nhl/1708755

Great signing for you guys! Ill miss him :cry: ... wish him all the best and hope Anaheim will win the Cup next year :handclap:

http://www.iltasanomat.fi/urheilu/t/nhl/1708755

There seems to be some comments from Koivu in the short piece of news.

Crappy translation:

My feeling is relieved and and amazing. Anaheim was my number one choice from the beginning. Organization and the team are great. As a bonus Teemu Selänne plays in the same team. I hope I'll and up in the same line with him.

as a long time habs and a very big koivu fan.. i can honestly say i'd rather watch the ducks and more importantly (to me) koivu win the cup then the habs and i know y'all will treat him with better respect then what he got by a lot of the media/habs fans etc.

maybe he and snoop can have a photoshoot or something haha :)
g'luck to the ducks and to koivu

Great pick up...him and Teemu are going to love it!