Well it's Tuesday, Jan. 9 and by now most of us have already broken 90 per cent of our New Year's resolutions. (Just sayin'.)
Mine was not to yell at the TV during games featuring the Americans in any world hockey championship. That lasted about 10 minutes while visiting to watch the World Juniors gold medal game at a friend's house. But at least I was not alone in my displeasure!
I must admit I was very impressed by the U.S. march to a gold medal. Led by strong goaltending, the U.S. was strong at every position and did not have to worry about who would bring the offence.
A lot of people I know (including me) were turned off by their antics, especially late in the game. But we can't forget these are teenagers, who can quite easily get caught up in an emotional environment. It's not an unusual happening. What can curb it though is a message from team staff like "Enough with the..." It works for most.
But like I said, the team is full marks for a strong display and gold medal.
Meanwhile at the Spengler Cup, Timmins (South Porcupine) native Andrew Boucher continued to add to his impressive resume with Hockey Canada, as the team's video coach.
This is Andrew's fourth gig as the video coach for an international event in just over a year.
Other video coach assignments have included Canadian U18, Team Canada Black U17 and Canadian National Women's Team at the World's.
With each passing day, the video coach role becomes more and more essential to a team's success. And Andrew is currently one of the best.
The Timmins Majors U18's have been on fire the last few weeks. The club is quickly using their games in hand to enter the first overall territory in the GNML. And more importantly, the club is playing like they want to stay there for the long haul.
Nylander is a heck of a hockey player. Currently, he is among the league's best. Worth every dollar he is (will be) paid. However, with out a hometown discount to stay where he is happy, can the team actually afford this? "Well, why should he take any less to play in Toronto? He's earned it," is what I hear the most.
But if you are a fan you have to ask — $5 million to five players? That leaves about $33 million for 18 to 20 guys for next season. Some guys are already on $3 to $5 million deals as well. My math is my weak point. But even I can deduce that $33 million for 18 or more players is less than $2 million per player to fill up three more lines and six more D.
Of course, a lot of the current roster is already sealed with guys like Kampf at $2.4 million, Jarnkrok at $2.1 million, Knies at $925,000, Holmbeg at $800,000, Robertson $796,000 and Gregoire and McCann at $775,000 each. The last three are restricted free agents (RFA) and need new deals should the Leafs tender them.
Brodie at $7.5 million is an upcoming unrestricted free agent (UFA), McCabe is at $2.5 million, Lilligran is an RFA at $1.5 million, Benoit $775,000 and an RFO, Lageson $775,000 and an UFA, and Timmins an RFA at $1.1 million.
Giordano at $800,000 is probably not in the team's plans as an $800.000 UFA.
Bertuzzi and Domi are both UFAs at $5.5 mil and $3 million, respectively.
That leaves around $15 million to replace UFAs (if they can) and $6ish million for RFAs.
Woll and the other tenders are not on my list.
So Brodie, Domi and Bertuzzi leave you looking for a $7 to $8 million replacement or resign and Bertuzzi and Domi leave the team trying to find two quality players for $8.5 million if not re-signed. Good luck with that.
Trades or not tendering players will come into play and some slick work by one of the game's best GMs should keep the team in the upper echelons. But Cup serious ... hmmmmmmm?
I go back to hometown discount because of Crosby. A lot of agents and players were not happy when he took less for himself after his entry-level deal so the team could free up money for better players to add. That is a trend he continues.
The result of course was three Stanley Cups. A lot of athletes in a lot of sports have done the same to give their clubs. a chance to contend for a title. That's why I originally brought it up.
Just my weak, rambling mind tossing out thoughts.
I hope for Brad and his boys it all works out.
Later skater.
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