@DarrenDreger
The Ballard buyout means Alex Edler is no longer a trade target.
https://twitter.com/DarrenDreger/status/352463230481870849
I hope that is true!
@DarrenDreger
The Ballard buyout means Alex Edler is no longer a trade target.
https://twitter.com/DarrenDreger/status/352463230481870849
Then what was the issue signing him long-term when he was sitting out? They screwed themselves over by strong-arming this marketable reason into a 2 year deal. He wins the Norris, and now they will pay through the nose for him, or trade him. Bergevin bends to Subban's demand this time, or he trades him. I think you're forgetting the history here.
@DarrenDreger
The Ballard buyout means Alex Edler is no longer a trade target.
https://twitter.com/DarrenDreger/status/352463230481870849
The Canadiens have a long history with "bridge" contracts at low values.
Plekanec, Price, Gorges, Pacioretty, etc, etc.
All guys who signed a short second contract, then went on to sign a long term deal at close to UFA money.
I don't agree with the strategy - and certainly not with dynamic offensive players like Subban - but for whatever reason that franchise appears to feel it is the way to go.
The fact that he ever was makes me want to kick Aquaman in the teeth.
The Canadiens have a long history with "bridge" contracts at low values.
Plekanec, Price, Gorges, Pacioretty, etc, etc.
All guys who signed a short second contract, then went on to sign a long term deal at close to UFA money.
I don't agree with the strategy - and certainly not with dynamic offensive players like Subban - but for whatever reason that franchise appears to feel it is the way to go.
Maybe they'll learn once Subban asks for Letang money, if not more.
I have a hard time believing the team just decided to buy Keith Ballard out; Edler being on the market (to the extent that he ever actually was) would have been a function of the team looking to get cheap, young, contributing players in return and to capitalize on Edler's trade value, which is huge.
I don't accept that it was a direct Edler vs. Ballard situation.
The fact that he ever was makes me want to kick Aquaman in the teeth.
Bergevin has not history in this regard. But yes, on your larger point I agree. They think it's the right way to go, good or bad. So when Subban seeks UFA money after his bridge contract runs out, then we'll know what it will be like for Bergevin to pay the piper, so to speak. It would not be outside the realm of reason to put Subban at 8m per, by this time.
If it isn't a direct either/or situation, then Edler is still on the market...
Darren Dreger @DarrenDreger 4m
The Ballard buyout means Alex Edler is no longer a trade target.
Sanity prevails. Aquilini loosens his purse strings.
Completely the wrong reasons to be trading Edler.
The right reason to trade Edler should be to improve this team. Given how tight we are against the cap (financial constraints) we don't have enough cap space to improve the team. You might be happy with the same team coming back but I sure as hell am not!
Maybe they'll learn once Subban asks for Letang money, if not more.
And that leaves us...
Hamhuis - Bieksa
Garrison - Tanev
Sumgai - Corrado
That's going to go over really well. If we get Del Zotto or Gardiner plus additional assets. Okay, you can argue we traded offense for defense. If it's just picks so Aquilini can be a cheapskate. **** him.
You're never happy unless the team is in full rebuild.
You're never happy unless the team is in full rebuild.
Maybe they'll learn once Subban asks for Letang money, if not more.
The right reason to trade Edler should be to improve this team. Given how tight we are against the cap (financial constraints) we don't have enough cap space to improve the team. You might be happy with the same team coming back but I sure as hell am not!