MatthewFlames
Registered User
Calgary (CP): The headline says it all. Devin Setoguchi has rejected the Calgary Flames long term contract offer and the GM has now ended all negotiations, stating in very plain terms that Setoguchi is free to leave the Flames in the off-season, via RFA offer sheet if necessary.
The Flames and Setoguchi have not seen eye to eye this season. Former coach Brent Sutter scratched Setoguchi for over ten games earlier in the season and when the Flames 1st round draft pick returned his performance has only been marginally better than his performance prior to his benching. Despite over 30 games on the 2nd line and PP minutes, Setoguchi only has 15 points in his 49 games.
"This isn't about his performance this season. This is about his potential. We feel that as a player coming out of his entry level contract then he should be paid a value of 2nd contract. Unless his performance thus far merits a larger gain. This is not the case with Setoguchi," said GM Kershaw.
When asked if Setoguchi, who was injured in the most recent game against the Flyers, would return to the line-up this season, the GM was again honest. "We have nothing to play for and we have players making half or less his contract who have performed. So yes, as he doesn't have to go through waivers, there is a good chance he will be sent down and may never play for the Flames again."
Sent down? Never play for the Flames again? Yes. So you might ask, what is the big difference in the contract that it couldn't get signed? Rumour has it that the agents wanted a 3 million deal over 2 years. The contract offer the Flames tendered? 1.5 million maybe? 2 maybe? Nope. 2.7 million over 4 years. Rejected. The Flames argument that his contract should match his NHL deals. So that's it? He wasn't offered his auto sign? But he was, 1.8 in the first year, 3 in the next 3, matching exactly Setoguchi's 2nd and 3rd contracts with the San Jose Sharks (both signed prior to his trade to the Wild.) But, under a technicality, the agents refused. (apparently I'm not as good a negotiator as Sean K and others as pointed out in another thread.)
The Flames and Setoguchi have not seen eye to eye this season. Former coach Brent Sutter scratched Setoguchi for over ten games earlier in the season and when the Flames 1st round draft pick returned his performance has only been marginally better than his performance prior to his benching. Despite over 30 games on the 2nd line and PP minutes, Setoguchi only has 15 points in his 49 games.
"This isn't about his performance this season. This is about his potential. We feel that as a player coming out of his entry level contract then he should be paid a value of 2nd contract. Unless his performance thus far merits a larger gain. This is not the case with Setoguchi," said GM Kershaw.
When asked if Setoguchi, who was injured in the most recent game against the Flyers, would return to the line-up this season, the GM was again honest. "We have nothing to play for and we have players making half or less his contract who have performed. So yes, as he doesn't have to go through waivers, there is a good chance he will be sent down and may never play for the Flames again."
Sent down? Never play for the Flames again? Yes. So you might ask, what is the big difference in the contract that it couldn't get signed? Rumour has it that the agents wanted a 3 million deal over 2 years. The contract offer the Flames tendered? 1.5 million maybe? 2 maybe? Nope. 2.7 million over 4 years. Rejected. The Flames argument that his contract should match his NHL deals. So that's it? He wasn't offered his auto sign? But he was, 1.8 in the first year, 3 in the next 3, matching exactly Setoguchi's 2nd and 3rd contracts with the San Jose Sharks (both signed prior to his trade to the Wild.) But, under a technicality, the agents refused. (apparently I'm not as good a negotiator as Sean K and others as pointed out in another thread.)