discussion Insanity: Toew & Kane signed at 84 million, 8 year, NMC

[Sagath]

It's perfectly fair to disagree.

We're both from Toronto so we probably have no idea of what a true franchise player is. But you suggested they take even less than what fatty Phil is going to be making ($8M).

Both are former Conn Smythe winners. Neither player puts up the points like Crosby, Malkin, or Ovechkin (but so few do). If you get the chance, watch them a bit more. And more so with Toews, there's a lot of chatter from real experts that puts him in the upper echelon of top centres. I'd still pick Crosby over Toews. But not by much. General consensus for the "if you can pick a franchise centre"... Crosby would get the most votes, Toews and Malkin would be neck and neck for 2nd... then a bunch of crickets after that. The best way to describe Toews is his incredible two way play coupled with clutch scoring. I really wish we had someone like that in Toronto.

Funny enough you mention Toronto and franchise players. (Caveat, I'm a TML hater for what its worth) There was a lot of hub-ub late in Sundins career that had he played his peak years with any half decent team he would have been a WELL above average player...but instead he was in Toronto :rofl:. I'm not sure I believe it, but again, I hate the leafs with a feiry passion equal to George RR Martin killing story line characters :thumb:

As a kid growing up in Barrie though I was unfortunately surrounded by brain dead retards that loved watching the leafs lose. So I (through Osmosis mostly) learned the players. Franchise indeed? haha. You're right. Gilmour? Sundin? Sittler? PHANEUF? :haha: Poor Toronto.

Anyways. Back on topic! Toews IS a good player, and I agree probably #2 overall, and DEFINITELY top 5 regardless how you skew your charts. The problem here isnt the value of the player, but rather how bad the league and the NHLPA have destroyed the game. The TLDR is this: They could learn a lot from watching the NFL and mimicing their PA/league rules for player payments imo.

 

[Desiato]

The fact that Crosby and Ovechkin (not clear cut miles better than Toews and Kane by the way), sacrificed some of their upper income potential to help the GM out or whatever. 1: foolish. 2: they got betrayed anyway.

Ovie didn't give any kind of discount.

When players give discounts, it's never because of kindness. No one gives away millions of dollars. They have professional representation that would never let this happen on a regular basis.

Players take less to win because that helps their brand. Sidney Crosby likely chose to commit to the Penguins because:

- Pittsburgh is one of the top hockey markets; the franchise is famous for its scoring
- The team provides him a great opportunity to win
- It's beneficial for a player of his caliber to spend the majority or entirety of his career with the same team; for the purpose of legacy

For a professional athlete, winning and legacy translate directly to fame and dollars. The more famous the player, the more he will earn now and after he retires. Is Sidney Crosby as relevant if the Pens aren't winning? No. And he will earn less in endorsements as a result. Last I read, he earns around 4 million per year from endorsements.

I'm not advocating discounts. I'm only saying when they happen, it's never selfless. These are professional entertainers who perform for money. Winning the cup is a priority for practical reasons. They're crying tears of $$$.

 

[fubar]

I think the long-term deals are really hurting teams. I guess few brought this up. I think that is what is the problem, not whether the players are currently superstars on their respective teams. It depends what kind of decline the player has. Some players have had abrupt declines while some have a more gradual decline. I guess they are young and healthy enough right now but it's difficult to anticipate and predict 8 yrs down the road.

The Hawks are currently a successful franchise making decent $$ so I guess they are willing to take the risks. It's their prerogative.

 

[rovert]

I wish my team had this kind of money to spend. Our broke ass owner is ruining the sens.
I could see these kinds of contracts causing another lockout once the current CBA expires like it did for the previous 2.

 

[Bao]

It's ok, you could have billionaire owners with management that's allergic to trying a winning formula.

 

[proxy]

Bao, I sense a true Oilers fan in you. It's more an a**hole paper billionaire owner more concerned with maximizing his profits and reaming taxpayers to further line his pockets, and hanging out with his crony buddies from the boys on the bus days, than hiring competent much less exceptional management and winning.

 

[Bao]

Bao, I sense a true Oilers fan in you. It's more an a**hole paper billionaire owner more concerned with maximizing his profits and reaming taxpayers to further line his pockets, and hanging out with his crony buddies from the boys on the bus days, than hiring competent much less exceptional management and winning.

As a Leaf fan I feel we're so screwed no matter what.

At least as an Oiler's fan, you have a few top tier young players. Just need some leadership that will make smart decisions. But having that nice base is a better place than having... whatever it is that the Leafs have.

Aside from Morgan Rielly and Nylander, I don't think the Leafs have any other players with top tier potential.

I do agree with you that Katz is just messing with the fans and the tax payers.