Not going to bore you with another long soliloquy about where the hell we’ve all been (you’re welcome). Also – How’s it goin’, eh? Very good to be back.
Especially since Dumb and Dumber have already covered our absence at a simply staggering level of detail. Instead, let’s just say the government is still not in favor of my entrepreneurial import/export business, and I had to go underground for a couple beats.
The Return of Killer
During my time in the literary can, I broke a finger, had elbow surgery, and got a hip-replacement like your grandmother has only read about. Sounds like a standard off-season for anyone in the actual “show”. For a civilian on the sidelines, however, it’s been a singular sweet decade of hell. But – Looking back at civilization, through a sturdy set of bars, tends to give you a whole new perspective.
My (much) better half did an amazing job tending to life without me around, and has raised the Million Dollar Babies into fine young men. The oldest is about to embark on his final high school hockey season. I’ll share more with you as the season goes on – but this is my last ride, as the youngest doesn’t play, so I am sure as hell gonna enjoy every bit of it.
Back to Drop the Biscuit
Today, I’m back on the outside, breathing that fresh air again, and thusly have a new appreciation for life. As well as how much enjoyment I get out of the game of Hockey. Drop the puck.
Now that I have a forum again, I can’t resist sharing just how very much I hate Lebron James. Off-topic, maybe, and I don’t like to use the “H ” word. That’s for stupid, lazy people. And my Mom once assured me I’m neither.
That said, I’d still be tempted were we talking about Ulf Samuelsson or Matt Cooke. Because those two are completely hate-able. You’re allowed to disagree, and I’ll be waiting in the parking lot.
3 Points? What am I, Fucking Nuts?
Say what you want about Lebron, but he has, for the most part, bet on himself. At least 3 points above the vig. The longest contract he signed was for 6 years – when he first left the Cavs to go to the Heat. Since then, it’s all been 4 or 2 year deals.
I bring this up due to the recent announcement re: Roope Hintz signing an 8-year deal worth $67.6 million with the Dallas Stars. My point, and do I have one, and where the frig is the “hockey” in all of this?
Betting On Yourself
Hintz is a phenomenal player with absolute world class speed. His ceiling is unlimited at the spry age of 26, but not when he’s roped in for 8 years. Benn’s contract is up in 2 years. Seguin has 4 more years left on his 8-year deal. Point being, with the NHL Salary Cap going up every year (minus the last two seasons due to Covid), why not bet on yourself by sticking to shorter contracts? The cap is estimated to increase by almost $10 million dollars come the 2025-2026 season.
Sure, if you are a bottom 6 forward, or bottom pair on defense, it makes all the sense in the world to sign for as long a term as you’re offered. I am talking about the Superstars of the league. Not just top 6 forwards or top 4 Ds. I am referring to the undebatable top dog per team.
People are gonna say “Killer – what if they get injured and their career is suddenly over?” Legit question, but can you name any recent superstar examples in the NHL- let alone any professional sport? Go ahead, I will be waiting.
Look at the shit show Kane and Toews are dealing with now in Chicago. How about McDavid and Draisaitl in Edmonton? How about poor G, stuck in Philly all those years? It was so bad in Philly that G was ok with signing in Ottawa whose franchise is currently up for sale. You think Johnny Gaudreau is having any second thoughts about signing a seven-year deal in the hell hole known as Columbus? I could go on and on but you guys are wicked smart and get the point I am trying to make.
If I am Pastrnak, I hang up the phone every time my agent calls. All that cat is looking to do is line his own pockets off 88’s skill and hard work. Put yourself in 88’s shoes, would you trust Don Sweeney with your future? The answer is a resounding “FUCK NO”. By taking a shorter-term deal, it doesn’t mean you are gonna jump around from team-to-team like Mike Sillinger did playing for 12 different Orgs. It means you are committing to them for X number of years and evaluating the team, its future potential success and how you fit in as your term comes to a close. And forget about this bullshit of a no-movement clause.
I mean, it’s not like Chicago would ever trade Kaner to friggin’ Vancouver.
So Much for the Enforcer Sunset, Eh?
First off, how’s it goin eh? Secondly, I like your thought process here. I think one of the things you didn’t mention, is the buyout option. Remember Ricky DiPietro’s deal on the Island? Well, the Isles do, as they’re shelling out a million bucks until rapture. I don’t know what Pasta’s deal will look like, but I think it will be long and lucrative. Crippling is a word that comes to mind. Great piece. Welcome back.