If the NHL's latest proposal spurs any traction, I think we will VERY quickly see some kind of movement on Paul Martin's future with this team:
What is being proposed is a one-time, one-player buyout "exemption" that wouldn't count against the cap. Now, I have no doubt that Shero has been working on trade options for Martin for sometime now, and may even have a pending deal in place (pending the details of the new CBA, of course). I do believe Martin can have some value to certain teams, both as a capable Dman, as well as somebody to help them hit the cap floor.
Part of what is currently on the table in the NHL's proposal is a salary cap for this season remaining at $70.2 million, but then dropping to $60 million for next season. Now, normally I am not a fan of rushing young players (i.e. Despres, etc) into top-4 roles; and if Martin were to come back this year and have a great season, then he could actually help us win now and increase his stock. But if he stagnates or fails to significantly improve his play, can we really afford to miss out on the one-time opportunity to buy-out this player?
Now granted, I don't know when the window will be to buy out players: specifically, whether it will have to occur prior to this season commencing, or next summer prior to the cap declining. But if it is the former, I think we need to buy this player out if we cannot trade him for a decent return.
Thoughts?
What is being proposed is a one-time, one-player buyout "exemption" that wouldn't count against the cap. Now, I have no doubt that Shero has been working on trade options for Martin for sometime now, and may even have a pending deal in place (pending the details of the new CBA, of course). I do believe Martin can have some value to certain teams, both as a capable Dman, as well as somebody to help them hit the cap floor.
Part of what is currently on the table in the NHL's proposal is a salary cap for this season remaining at $70.2 million, but then dropping to $60 million for next season. Now, normally I am not a fan of rushing young players (i.e. Despres, etc) into top-4 roles; and if Martin were to come back this year and have a great season, then he could actually help us win now and increase his stock. But if he stagnates or fails to significantly improve his play, can we really afford to miss out on the one-time opportunity to buy-out this player?
Now granted, I don't know when the window will be to buy out players: specifically, whether it will have to occur prior to this season commencing, or next summer prior to the cap declining. But if it is the former, I think we need to buy this player out if we cannot trade him for a decent return.
Thoughts?