I think we're at least very close to last season's budget, and the trend around the league seems to be towards lowering expenses rather than increasing. I base my evaluation on the following assumptions:
- Zaborsky's and Puustinen's new contracts are most likely more expensive than previous ones. This increase probably offsets Kuparinen's departure.
- Järvinen and Taimi cost about the same as Söderholm, Pikkarainen and Honkaheimo, maybe more when accounting for the buyout of Taimi's contract with Ässät.
- Hintz costs about the same as Goldobin.
- Ã…sten and Partanen also got new contracts I believe, and at least Ã…sten likely has increased salary.
So the player budget at the moment ought to be about what it was at the start of last season, give or take 100~200k. The team is economically very secure though, so they can throw some extra cash in there if they see a worthwhile investment at any time. Savinainen could be one such investment, though I don't think he's the right type of player for the team. 2nd line LW is the least secure spot, and the way I see it that spot should be filled by a possession-oriented player. We have plenty of what Savinainen has to offer in the team already(Puustinen, Luttinen, Ikonen).
And yes, I'm also very excited for the junior changes. Peltonen, Lydman and Kuhta are all working there, and they also recently signed Tommi Hämäläinen who had been working in the Skellefteå organization as a junior coach. They also hinted that they would be moving towards a more individual-oriented model, rather than focusing on playing "winning hockey" from the moment they first put on their skates. Very promising changes. Nybondas has made a lot of mistakes in his time, but lately he's been doing a great job building a future and identity for the club.
How do you see this 'expansion' with KooKoo?
