MVP of regular season… thats why they have the conn smyth “mvp” for playoffs… so basically you can kick ass in regular season and get the Hart but your team sucks and cant make playoffs or loses in playoffs…
Speaking of AO and the caps… they are trying to get kovi from the canadians… wonder if that will happen
very interesting:
FREE TO ROAM
Based off conversations with NHL personnel, Tribune-Review Penguins beat reporter Rob Rossi projects the future for the club’s key unrestricted free agents:
CRAIG ADAMS
Position: RW
Age: 32
2008-09 cap cost: $600,000
Rossi says: He goes. As was the case with C Adam Hall last summer, the Penguins cannot offer long term to role players. Adams will seek a multi-year offer from another club.
PHILIPPE BOUCHER
Position: D
Age: 36
2008-09 cap cost: $2,500,000
Rossi says: He goes. A luxury as a seventh defenseman this past season, Boucher has no spot with the Penguins unless he decides to play for near the veteran minimum, which is unlikely.
RUSLAN FEDOTENKO
Position: LW
Age: 30
2008-09 cap cost: $2,250,000
Rossi says: He probably stays. Reports that the Penguins have already offered a three-year contract are false. They prefer another one-year deal, but would give two if his cap hit remained near what it was last season.
MATHIEU GARON
Position: G
Age: 31
2008-09 cap cost: $1,100,000
Rossi says: He goes. Starter Marc-Andre Fleury will count $5 million against the cap each of the next six seasons. The days of million-dollar backups are over for the Penguins, and prospect John Curry is likely ready for an NHL role.
HAL GILL
Position: D
Age: 34
2008-09 cap cost: $2,075,000
Rossi says: He probably goes. However, if Gill is willing to take a considerable salary cut — say, about $1 million — the Penguins would be interested in his services for another year. He would project as a fifth or sixth defenseman next season.
BILL GUERIN
Position: RW
Age: 38
2008-09 cap cost: $4,500,000
Rossi says: He stays. Though, the Penguins cannot afford anywhere near $4 million, and only want a one-year deal. They are banking on Guerin wanting to win. He knows the best financial offer they can make given the cap. The puck is on his stick.
MIROSLAV SATAN
Position: RW
Age: 34
2008-09 cap cost: $3,500,000
Rossi says: He goes. Satan’s Hollywood ending to a tumultuous season probably will convince a few NHL clubs to give him a look. If not, he can play in Europe for better money and leave North America with his name on the Cup.
ROB SCUDERI
Position: D
Age: 30
2008-09 cap cost: $712,500
Rossi says: He goes. Another solid postseason has Scuderi in line for a significant raise. Hey, Toronto D Jeff Finger costs $3.5 million against the cap. Scuderi is better, but the Penguins have organization depth at his position and will seek extensions for Sergei Gonchar and Kris Letang.
PETR SYKORA
Position: RW
Age: 32
2008-09 cap cost: $2,500,000
Rossi says: He goes. Sykora has his Cup win, and his positive influence on Penguins such as C Evgeni Malkin will be felt in Pittsburgh for years. Still, his limited action in the playoffs and a late-season goal slump has him off the Penguins’ radar.
MIKE ZIGOMANIS
Position: C
Age: 28
2008-09 cap cost: $650,000
Rossi says: He stays. The Penguins could use a checking-line center with Max Talbot a strong candidate for a top-six forward spot. They could likely retain Zigomanis at their term and price.
