That is about $1.5 million more than we thought Fedorov would (could) be signed for. While it lends some depth and stability to the center position, it suggests that the Caps are not done with personnel matters. Based on the numbers at nhlnumbers.com, the salary cap burden now looks like this for next season (updated for Brooks Laich and Eric Fehr signings, and correction for buyouts)):
The math no longer works for keeping the team together, unless Brian Pothier’s injuries prevent him from returning to the club. This could mean that an RFA is not going to be re-signed (we’re thinking that the player is Brooks Laich...ok, maybe not).
The roster look something like this, with Morrisonn awaiting arbitration:
Even with signings, things seem to get more complicated...
UPDATE: Fehr and Gordon signings included.
Dear Peerless, you have made my day! Federov's return is the best possible news. On the cap, though, isn't it true that salary for players over a certain age only count partially against the cap? Something like only $1.5 million would count? I read that somewhere, but it may not have been a reliable source. Please, can you confirm or correct this notion?
ReplyDeletePlayers over 35 can sign one-year deals with performance bonus provisions, but the calendar of the CBA make this a year when there is no "overage" for bonuses. I haven't seen a confirmation of the Fedorov terms, but if the money is correct (regardless of whether there are any bonus terms included) his contract is going to count in full against the cap number.
ReplyDeletePeerless, GMGM has already mentioned that Pothier will be on LTIR this year, from reports there's no question now that he won't be healthy. His salary will be used for other purposes, but even then the cap room is dwindling and we're going to have no breathing room once everyone is accounted for. This is assuming Clark is healthy, of course.
ReplyDeleteIt does seem like Pothier will be LTIR, unfortunately, but even then the Caps are not going to have much wiggle room during the course of the season if they plan on signing their 3 RFA's and don't plan on dealing anyone away.
ReplyDeletehooks, I think it is a betting certainty that the Caps will be in the trade market before the season starts. Another variable complicating this (and suggesting a trade somewhere) is the very real possibility that Karl Alzner will make the big club this year. While I think it more likely he's in Hershey this year, he is clearly the jewel among the Caps' prospects not already with the club.
ReplyDeleteYou're assuming that TSN's info is correct. The Caps have yet to say that they have even signed Fedorov, much less the money involved... Vogel's most recent post - nearly an hour after that TSN report says: "The Caps are also still discussing a possible pact with UFA center Sergei Fedorov."
ReplyDeleteThat's absolutely correct; if the Fedorov deal is different (or non-existent), we'll update this.
ReplyDeleteit appears that the numbers are off...Tarik wrote this last year in regards to Backstrom's contract, "Backstrom's entry-level contract will pay him a base salary of $850,000 (which includes an $85,000 signing bonus) and as much as $1.35 million more in bonuses in the first year. He can earn a total $2.5 million in the second and third year of the contract -- if he achieves all of the bonuses." - Washington Post,5/22/2007
ReplyDeleteHis possible bonuses for this season could get him over 2.4 million but they don't count against the cap. HIs salary for this season is the entry-level max (there is a max for all entry level contracts..see ovechkin)
anyway the chart from nhl numbers show backstrom at 2.4 and really its 850k.
Bonuses paid out by the team do count against the cap. Which is why Alzner's cap hit is $1.67 million if he makes the roster.
ReplyDeleteSure seems like the Caps figure that it's at least very likely Pothier will be LTIR since according to HockeyBuzz.com with Pothier's salary in the mix the Caps only have ~247K of slary Cap room - with him on LTIR they can probably sign both ShaMo and Gordon since that would give them ~ 1.35M for each of them though i'd suspect that ShaMo will get more than 50% of it and I'm not sure where this leaves Fehr re: his qualifying offer....
ReplyDeleteMorrisonn established himself as a top 4 defender; Gordon is a checking line center who's either 4th or 5th on the depth chart. They're not going to get comparable salaries.
ReplyDeleteIf the Caps had to choose between Fehr and Gordon they would (and should) choose Fehr: he's younger, has more offensive upside and isn't already buried on the depth chart