A bit of a late start today? Indeed, but better late than never.
With Marc Methot locked up for the next few years, debates have begun on whether his contract is an overpayment or a good deal, even as he’s accepted as becoming part of the team’s core. I have to agree with Dan’s take: the contract is a little rich in overall cap hit, but if you look at how it’s structured, I think we’re paying reasonably, particularly if Marc continues to develop.
Though Scott Howson has stated he’d like to fill one of the two remaining spots in the defense with another NHL player via free agency, more big names keep dropping off the radar, as Tomas Kaberle followed his brother‘s footsteps to Carolina, while the Canes moved Joe Corvo to Boston to make room, and Keith Yandle re-upped in Phoenix.
Over at Hockeybuzz, Eric Smith has begun to wonder about trade targets, but there is also talk about Scott Hannan or Bryan McCabe on short term deals, which would be interesting.
Within the Division, the Predators filled out some depth with Zach Stortini and former Jacket Kyle Wilson, while the Blues finally got active, signing Scott Nichol and re-upping depth netminder Ben Bishop.
Red Light District looked at the Jackets’ offseason moves so far, and wonder if Columbus could return to the playoffs. Not surprisingly, they feel that a lot has to go right, and a lot of things that look good on paper have to work out on the ice.
The Leafs were active again yesterday, getting deals done with maligned center Tyler Bozak and surprise success story Clarke MacArthur.
Another Canadian team also got a big deal done – the Winnipeg Jets managed to get their captain, Andrew Ladd, done, avoiding salary arbitration with a 5 year deal.
Speaking of Arbitration, here’s a look at the players who filed over at PHT. Keep in mind that any and all of these guys could still get a deal done before the arbitration hearings take place, though….
We’ll talk later. Your people will call my people, we’ll do lunch. Ciao, bella!