Lecavalier Bought Out

[BlueWhiteBlood]

Sorry in advance, BWB, if you didn't say it, but why is there an automatic assumption that Clarkson will get 'overpaid' and Boaza (or Bickell, for that matter) won't? 

I mentioned it, but in another thread. I think it's going to be a difficult year for any of the players that think they are going to sign a huge contract, as players of their ilk have in pass seasons. Clarkson will probably not, out of a few of them, because he apparently wants to come to Toronto, so knowing that Nonis will most likely walk away if it gets ridiculous, my guess is he settles along with others.

EDIT: I do agree with others though, if anybody is going to get overpaid in this market, it might be Clarkson.

 

[Zee]

I'm going to go out on a limb and say Detroit signs him.

 

[cabber24]

Lecavs dishing to JVR and Kessel on a nightly basis... how does that not strike everyone as an amazing thought??!!  A very legit 1st line now with plenty of size and finally a natural playmaker - something that other than Kadri this team really really needs to improve on.  This also takes HUGE pressure off Kadri to step into that role - one I don't think he should be expected to take on.. not yet anyway.

1st line centre problem solved for the next 3-4 years, at only the cost of a contract.  Leafs can use other means to fix other problem areas vs. spending a boat load of assets on a top centre.

How is this not a good thing??!!

I totally agree... no assets other then cash given up. If we get someone equal or marginally better via trade it will cost the Leafs dearly.

 

[Rebel_1812]

quick buyout grabbo sign lecavalier and let bozak walk.  Top two centers would be lecavalier and kadri, plus we would have cap space for clarkson.

 

[BlueWhiteBlood]

quick buyout grabbo sign lecavalier and let bozak walk.  Top two centers would be lecavalier and kadri, plus we would have cap space for clarkson.

I'm all for that, but I'd rather get an asset for Grabo leaving town.

 

[ZBBM]

Lecavs dishing to JVR and Kessel on a nightly basis... how does that not strike everyone as an amazing thought??!!  A very legit 1st line now with plenty of size and finally a natural playmaker - something that other than Kadri this team really really needs to improve on.  This also takes HUGE pressure off Kadri to step into that role - one I don't think he should be expected to take on.. not yet anyway.

1st line centre problem solved for the next 3-4 years, at only the cost of a contract.  Leafs can use other means to fix other problem areas vs. spending a boat load of assets on a top centre.

How is this not a good thing??!!

Well, whether it's good or not depends on the term/cost.  KoHo's been fighting a lone battle here in not wanting him.  I am not against getting LeCavalier, he would certainly be our best center hands down.

But if he wants more than 3 years, or too much money, I wouldn't do it.  IOW, I wouldn't overpay for a 33-year-old with declining stats, so to that degree I am with KoHo.

Because the real question is this: Is Kadri our future 1C, or not?  If he is, there is a good argument to be made to go ahead and promote him to that role starting this fall, even if his learning curve costs the team some games.  Sooner or later, he has to be given the reins ... IF the team is convinced he's the 1C to build around.

 

[Chev-boyar-sky]

I've read it suggested that he might sign a 1 year deal and go back to Tampa next year.

Can they do that?

Yeah, that they can do. The rule for buyouts is that players cannot return to the team that bought them out for a full season after the buyout. After that, it's fair game.

This strikes me as a badly conceived rule.

When a player is bought out under normal circumstances, a team (unless they're totally bonkers, or the contract is horrific) would never take the cap hit, $ hit and ever consider re-signing the player as he would be earning 2 salaries etc.

Under a compliance buyout the team is given a chance to right a wrong. That should come at a higher price than just the $ value of the contract. It should've been that the compliance buyouts carry no cap hit, but the player can't be re-signed for the totality of the original contract.

I doubt many teams will buy guys out and try to re-sign them, but it still seems wrong to me.

 

[Zee]

Lecavs dishing to JVR and Kessel on a nightly basis... how does that not strike everyone as an amazing thought??!!  A very legit 1st line now with plenty of size and finally a natural playmaker - something that other than Kadri this team really really needs to improve on.  This also takes HUGE pressure off Kadri to step into that role - one I don't think he should be expected to take on.. not yet anyway.

1st line centre problem solved for the next 3-4 years, at only the cost of a contract.  Leafs can use other means to fix other problem areas vs. spending a boat load of assets on a top centre.

How is this not a good thing??!!

Well, whether it's good or not depends on the term/cost.  KoHo's been fighting a lone battle here in not wanting him.  I am not against getting LeCavalier, he would certainly be our best center hands down.

But if he wants more than 3 years, or too much money, I wouldn't do it.  IOW, I wouldn't overpay for a 33-year-old with declining stats, so to that degree I am with KoHo.

Because the real question is this: Is Kadri our future 1C, or not?  If he is, there is a good argument to be made to go ahead and promote him to that role starting this fall, even if his learning curve costs the team some games.  Sooner or later, he has to be given the reins ... IF the team is convinced he's the 1C to build around.

I think you can do 4 years tops for him.  He's been on a decline for a while so I can't imagine where he'll be at 37.  Given the makeup of the Leafs, I don't really think he fits into that "grow with the team" mentality.  Would be more of a mentor type player, perhaps Kadri learning from him what it takes to compete.  Of course that being said, there's been lots of talk about Vinny being lazy on many nights and only playing when he wants to, so maybe he's not the best role model.  LOL

 

[Kin]

But if he wants more than 3 years, or too much money, I wouldn't do it.  IOW, I wouldn't overpay for a 33-year-old with declining stats, so to that degree I am with KoHo.

NOT ME! I'm only for signing Lecavalier if he wants too much money and demands the Leafs overpay him. You don't want a player lacking in confidence after all.

 

[pnjunction]

quick buyout grabbo sign lecavalier and let bozak walk.  Top two centers would be lecavalier and kadri, plus we would have cap space for clarkson.

I'm all for that, but I'd rather get an asset for Grabo leaving town.

I think his trade value is in 'salary dump' territory right now, especially after his playoff (non)-performance.

 

[BlueWhiteBlood]

quick buyout grabbo sign lecavalier and let bozak walk.  Top two centers would be lecavalier and kadri, plus we would have cap space for clarkson.

I'm all for that, but I'd rather get an asset for Grabo leaving town.

I think his trade value is in 'salary dump' territory right now, especially after his playoff (non)-performance.

I don't. I'm sure his value has taken a hit, but I think there is a very good chance he bounces back. Part of it is how RC handles him also, it's not just Grabo's fault either IMO.

 

[ZBBM]

But if he wants more than 3 years, or too much money, I wouldn't do it.  IOW, I wouldn't overpay for a 33-year-old with declining stats, so to that degree I am with KoHo.

NOT ME! I'm only for signing Lecavalier if he wants too much money and demands the Leafs overpay him. You don't want a player lacking in confidence after all.

Thank God YOU"RE not GM!!  : : : : : : : : : : : :

 

[pnjunction]

I think you can do 4 years tops for him.  He's been on a decline for a while so I can't imagine where he'll be at 37.  Given the makeup of the Leafs, I don't really think he fits into that "grow with the team" mentality.  Would be more of a mentor type player, perhaps Kadri learning from him what it takes to compete.  Of course that being said, there's been lots of talk about Vinny being lazy on many nights and only playing when he wants to, so maybe he's not the best role model.  LOL

This is where I'm at. Even if he's not top talent any more maybe he could teach Kadri (and Colborne?) a few things over a 3-4 year term.  Not sure about the work ethic stuff but perhaps the buyout and a fresh start could kick him into gear.

 

[Zee]

quick buyout grabbo sign lecavalier and let bozak walk.  Top two centers would be lecavalier and kadri, plus we would have cap space for clarkson.

I'm all for that, but I'd rather get an asset for Grabo leaving town.

I think his trade value is in 'salary dump' territory right now, especially after his playoff (non)-performance.

I don't. I'm sure his value has taken a hit, but I think there is a very good chance he bounces back. Part of it is how RC handles him also, it's not just Grabo's fault either IMO.

Grabovski is way overpaid for what he brings, but his contract is nowhere near the ridiculous levels of the guys that are being bought out right now.  After this upcoming season he only has 3 years left, you can still buy him out next summer if he doesn't bounce back.  Given that I think he still has trade value.

 

[Kin]

Thank God YOU"RE not GM!!

To be fair, it's only good if I'm not GM depending on the term/cost.

 

[Bonsixx]

I think we all know he's going to the Rangers.

 

[ZBBM]

Thank God YOU"RE not GM!!

To be fair, it's only good if I'm not GM depending on the term/cost.

I'd give you 2.5 weeks at $17.50 an hour.  If at the end of that period you can convince me we are headed in the right direction, then we can talk about an extension.

 

[Omallley]

I'd absolutely take a run at signing Lecavalier. He may not be the ideal #1 centre candidate, but the ideal candidates aren't going to become available for just money.

We've seen this every single year since Sundin retired - there just aren't any unquestionable #1 centres that make it to UFA. Lecavalier is by far the best candidate to be available in many years. An upgrade is an upgrade is an upgrade, and he's certainly that over what the Leafs have now...

 

[BlueWhiteBlood]

I'd absolutely take a run at signing Lecavalier. He may not be the ideal #1 centre candidate, but the ideal candidates aren't going to become available for just money.

We've seen this every single year since Sundin retired - there just aren't any unquestionable #1 centres that make it to UFA. Lecavalier is by far the best candidate to be available in many years. An upgrade is an upgrade is an upgrade, and he's certainly that over what the Leafs have now...

Well, rumour has it that Nonis is thinking center this summer...

12. As we approach what could be a wild draft week, GMs to watch include MacTavish: "He's got his fingers in everything," said one compatriot. Another? Dave Nonis of the Toronto Maple Leafs. Somewhere this off-season, he is determined to get a high-level centre.

Elliotte Friedman

 

[Omallley]

Lecavs dishing to JVR and Kessel on a nightly basis... how does that not strike everyone as an amazing thought??!!  A very legit 1st line now with plenty of size and finally a natural playmaker - something that other than Kadri this team really really needs to improve on.  This also takes HUGE pressure off Kadri to step into that role - one I don't think he should be expected to take on.. not yet anyway.

1st line centre problem solved for the next 3-4 years, at only the cost of a contract.  Leafs can use other means to fix other problem areas vs. spending a boat load of assets on a top centre.

How is this not a good thing??!!

Completely agreed...