Jacob
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- Feb 27, 2002
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Finland's pretty close to the NA game. They even have smaller rinks than the rest of Europe.
Confirmed with Link: Kasperi Kapanen signs ELC (3 years | $925k per)
- Thread starter Uncle Machete
- Start date
Finland's pretty close to the NA game. They even have smaller rinks than the rest of Europe.
Jaded-Fan
Registered User
Wouldn't the player WANT to come over in that case?
He delays becoming an RFA and UFA by staying out of NA from what you are saying.
Honour Over Glory
Fire Sully
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Why is it so out of reach? No one knows if he's been training hard or not, I mean does anyone know all of the info about him from the combine?
Remember, Olli Maatta surprised everyone, albeit a year after his draft. But hey, if the kid looks good, there's a 9 game window. Couldn't hurt him to have that experience and then go back to Finland with more of a purpose than he had before and more knowledge of how to get to where he wants to be, back in the NHL but this time, not as a guy on a 9 game try out window.
Remember, Olli Maatta surprised everyone, albeit a year after his draft. But hey, if the kid looks good, there's a 9 game window. Couldn't hurt him to have that experience and then go back to Finland with more of a purpose than he had before and more knowledge of how to get to where he wants to be, back in the NHL but this time, not as a guy on a 9 game try out window.
cygnus47
Registered User
- Sep 14, 2013
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Olli Maatta plays a smart simple game and always has. He was also 6'2 200 pounds and had been playing in London for like half of every game. Kap is a creative offensive guy, has ok size, but is clearly not yet a man, and he hasn't seen top minutes or a NA rink yet. His defensive game is also a weakness. He might be AHL capable, definitely not NHL ready, but he'll probably just stay with KalPa. If he gets into some exhibition games that will be enough for him this year. Maybe next year he'll get his 9 games.
stardog
Been on HF so long my Myspace link is part of my p
Agreed. It is really a non factor in his track to North America. This was pretty much going to happen regardless of whether he makes the team or not.
That said, I am glad they got it out of the way. Not as if there was any drama surrounding it anyhow.
Actually Kapanen played in the North America during the years his father was still in NHL but he was very young back then...
Anyway, I guess the main reason why Penguins sign young (top talent) players immediately after draft is the fact that even if the player returns to juniors or Europe, he will still get his signing bonus for that year. It's not a massive amount of money but it gives the player a chance to fully concentrate on his career. He has enough money to just play wherever he can develop best, even if the team can't afford to pay him much. He has money to pay for personal trainers and knows that WHEN he is finally ready, he will have those three years to prove himself. This plan works well with players who have professional attitude, they will feel secure and do all they can to get better without trying to hurry themselves to NHL. But there's always the risk that guaranteed money will mix a young guy's head...
Derrick Pouliot's cap geek page as an example of the signing bonus usage.
Anyway, I guess the main reason why Penguins sign young (top talent) players immediately after draft is the fact that even if the player returns to juniors or Europe, he will still get his signing bonus for that year. It's not a massive amount of money but it gives the player a chance to fully concentrate on his career. He has enough money to just play wherever he can develop best, even if the team can't afford to pay him much. He has money to pay for personal trainers and knows that WHEN he is finally ready, he will have those three years to prove himself. This plan works well with players who have professional attitude, they will feel secure and do all they can to get better without trying to hurry themselves to NHL. But there's always the risk that guaranteed money will mix a young guy's head...
Derrick Pouliot's cap geek page as an example of the signing bonus usage.
Crazy that an unproven prospect signing bonus is more in each of those 3 years than most on here will ever make in their real career.
Zero Pucks
Size matters
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even a guy like Reid McNeil who gets a very basic ELC will make 100 grand in signing bonuses.
Jacob
as seen on TV
- Feb 27, 2002
- 49,504
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