What's Taking So Long?
Lowetide
August 09 2010 05:37AM
Early summer has given way to mid-summer, and the truth is that a long walk these days will reveal a few leaves beginning to turn. We're reaching a point where the unsigned restricted free agents should be getting signed. Unless. Unless there's a problem.
The Edmonton Oilers have three restricted free agents who remain unsigned: Sam Gagner, Andrew Cogliano and Liam Reddox. According to capgeek, the first two are among 5 rfa's making one million or more who remain unsigned. In recent days we've heard both Gagner and Cogliano express that they're eager to sign and get to training camp. Cogliano added that he is confident that he'll return to the Oilers (if trade rumors had value he'd be Gretzky).
The other 3 rfa's among the top 5 (Carey Price, Bobby Ryan, Peter Mueller) and Martin Hanzal (6th on the list) are all what we could consider important parts on their respective team machines. Its still early, but not that early. If this week slides into next and Gagner and Cogliano remain unsigned then I think it is fair to assume that money (or something else) is in play. Gagner and Cogliano are important players to the Edmonton Oilers, and getting them signed in the next couple of weeks is job one.
As a long time Edmonton Oiler fan, I've learned to be cautious in regard to contracts. It can get ugly in a hurry. Paul Coffey taught us that much.
@Woogie
I'm not even a slight NFL follower but I do listen to talk radio and I believe that the latest #1 NFL draft pick is now the highest paid player of all time. How's that for steep?
I'm young. What happened with Paul Coffey?
But hey! At least Liam Reddox signed. Rest easy. If we're ever in a jam and Penner goes down, we have our back-up #1 LW.
Reports that the Arbitrator has ruled in favour of the league in the Kovalchuk dispute. Wow.
~I guess that means Tambi can go sign him now, right?~
The NFL situation is especially weird because teams have proven to be unwilling to pay proven talents that kind of money. Bradford probably won't even be the starter going into the season.
@David S
Comrie cough cough
You forgot your ~'s
Andrew Cogliano has perfect attendance in 3 NHL seasons.
Brule's play and health have been inconsistent for 5 seasons.
Despite the Oilers suckage Cogliano is -10 in the NHL, Brule is -11 as an Oiler and -38 total.
Cogliano avg 37pts a season to Brule's 14.4
He's more reliable and handled a tough situation well after being traded.
The Oilers can afford to pay him a bit more on a 1year deal.
And keep the option open to move him...
@Guy Incognito
If I remember correctly, Coffey was holding out for more money after Ray Bourque signed a huge deal with the Bruins. Peter Puck went to the press, everything went to hell, and Coffey went to the Pens for Simpson and parts.
Off topic: who's wood stick is that defending against gagner?
Paul Stastny