16 minutes and 19 seconds. That's what we just got for $1.25M on the cap for next year.
Probably like others on here I've been puzzling over why the Canucks went with Halak instead of Spencer Martin.
Just speculating here ...
I haven't seen the wording of the contract regarding his bonus and haven't studied the CBA regarding bonuses. Someone may well know better than I do, but I wonder if there was a logical reason to get him the bonus if, and it is a big if, they intend to trade him and he'll waive.
My understanding of performance bonuses is that they are paid out when earned. They can sometimes be deferred to the next season for cap purposes, but if I understand correctly the Canucks have to pay out that bonus now that he's earned it.
Is it possible that potential trading partners were reluctant to take on payment of the bonus but would be more interested in trading for Halak without the extra cash outlay?
Some suitor might not need to defer the bonus, or at might not need to defer all of it. Even if an acquiring team does defer the bonus, that team might be more inclined to make the deal if it doesn't have to pay the cash. Some teams might expect to have a $1.5 million cushion between this year and next in order to cover the bonus.